Air Fryer Bone-In Chicken Breasts

A simple and easy way to pack your week with protein.

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I’ll be the first to admit that when I’m really busy, cooking healthy meals at home is one of the first things that gets put on hold. As my schedule becomes increasingly full, I find myself relying on ready-made meals or takeout to satisfy my hunger on the go. It’s a decent fix – until I remember that I have ingredients in the fridge waiting to be used.

To avoid falling into this pattern, it all really comes down to proper meal planning. It can feel daunting at first to do so, but when you pick quick and easy recipes – like these Air-Fryer Bone-In Chicken Breasts – you’ll be thanking your past self for taking the time to prepare something tasty and nutritious at home.

With just 5 minutes of prep time, this chicken recipe is a super simple way to add protein to your diet and goes with pretty much anything. After seasoning the chicken breasts and placing them in the air fryer, you can use the 25 minutes of cook time to prepare other recipes you want to pair this with, like salads or rice dishes.

Are Air Fryer Bone-In Chicken Breasts Healthy?

Yes, this recipe is an amazing healthy addition to your diet! Chicken breasts are considered to be the leanest part of the bird, full of protein and a great source of amino acids, which help to build muscle tissue. Plus, cooking them in the air fryer is one of the healthiest preparation methods as it uses much less oil compared to frying.

How to Get Perfectly Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breasts…

If you’re unfamiliar with cooking chicken in an air fryer, there are a few key things to remember in order to get your chicken just the way you want it. The act of placing the chicken in the air fryer seems simple enough, but remember to consider these two tips:

First, make sure the air fryer is not overcrowded, meaning there is space between the chicken breasts, to allow air to circulate. If you are doubling the recipe, and your air fryer only has room for two chicken breasts, you’ll need to cook them in batches.

Second, make sure any skin is facing down to ensure maximum crispiness, then flip halfway through cooking for an even result.

INGREDIENTS

2 bone-in split chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat

Get the air fryer ready.

Season

Rub chicken with oil and spices.

Cook

Air fry until fully cooked.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store?

Since these Air Fryer Bone-In Chicken Breasts are one of my favorite recipes to make for busy weeks, it’s no surprise they keep well as leftovers.
You can store them in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days in the fridge and up to 2-3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to reheat, you can do so in the microwave or put them back in the air fryer for about 5 minutes. If you’re reheating from frozen, make sure to defrost in the fridge first.

How Do I Get Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Breasts?

If you want your chicken breasts to be as crispy as possible, it’s important to pat them down with paper towel prior to seasoning. This will ensure that the chicken is dry enough and helps the seasoning to stick before placing them in the air fryer.

Can I add Different Seasonings To My Chicken Breasts?

Definitely! The seasonings listed in the recipe are a versatile option that goes with almost everything, but if you’re looking to get more adventurous, you could try adding paprika, Italian seasoning, jerk seasoning and/or many other combinations, depending on what you plan on serving the chicken with.

Serving Suggestions

Since I usually like to make this recipe alongside a busy schedule, I also prefer to pair it with side dish recipes that keep well as leftovers too. For example, these recipes for Coconut Cilantro Lime Rice and Corn Salad are great together as grain and salad pairings. Have them both with your delicious Air Fryer Bone-In Chicken Breasts, or make both but serve them one at a time as way to switch things up throughout the week!