Start by prepping your chicken breasts. If they’re on the thicker side, you can give them a gentle pound to an even thickness. You don’t need to go overboard – just a light tap with a meat mallet or rolling pin works perfectly. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and gets crispy all around.

Next, drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil. I like to rub it in with my hands to make sure the oil covers every inch of the chicken. The oil is important because it helps the seasonings stick and creates that crisp, golden-brown exterior.

Now, sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper all over the chicken. Feel free to get a little heavy-handed with the seasonings – more flavor is always a good thing, right? I love giving the chicken a nice, even coating of seasoning, making sure every part is covered.

Preheating your air fryer is crucial for crispy results. Just like with an oven, you want the air fryer to be nice and hot before you cook the chicken. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. While that’s happening, you can move on to the next step.

Now for the fun part! Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave some space between the chicken breasts so the air can circulate properly. If you overcrowd the basket, the chicken might not get as crispy.

Set the air fryer to 375°F and cook the chicken for 18-20 minutes. At the halfway mark, give the chicken a quick flip to ensure even cooking. If you’re not sure if it’s done, you can use a meat thermometer to check. The internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C) when it’s fully cooked.

Once your chicken is cooked through, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This is an important step because it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making your chicken super tender and juicy. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this part!

Now that the chicken is rested, it’s time to slice it up. You can serve it whole, or slice it into strips for salads, wraps, or bowls. I love serving it alongside roasted veggies or a simple salad for a quick and healthy meal. You can also add a side of mashed potatoes or rice for a more filling option.