This Crispy and Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast recipe is a winner. The chicken is crispy on the outside and tender, juicy and flavor packed on the inside. The recipe comes together quickly in the air fryer and is AIP, paleo and Whole30 compliant.

white plate with two chicken breasts, one of which has been partially sliced, garnished with sliced lemons and sprigs of thyme with a black knife and fork partially visible on the right of the plate

Anyone else get an air fryer over the holidays? I’m loving my new kitchen tool that also functions as an Instant Pot! This Air Fryer Chicken Breast recipe has been on repeat in my home because it is just too easy and only requires 5 ingredients along with the chicken.

This fried chicken is a great meal prep dish that you can make a few of and have on hand for the week to use in salads, breakfast or lunch wraps using these AIP crepes,

Here’s what you need for the best Air Fryer Chicken Breast recipe:

skin-on, bone in chicken breasts
lemon
garlic
fresh thyme
olive oil
sea salt

overhead shot of two chicken breasts in a grey air fryer basket with sliced lemons

Crispy and Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast FAQs

Can I make this with boneless chicken breasts?

Yes, but you’d have to reduce the frying time as they will cook faster. Depending on the size of your breasts, I would recommend 13-15 minutes. Chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the juices run clear.

Can I use chicken legs or thighs?

Yes, this air fryer chicken recipe is very versatile but again, you’d have to alter the cooking time. I also highly recommend ensuring these cuts have the skins on as this really helps to seal in the moisture.

Can I make this in the oven?

You can definitely make your chicken in the oven. I would recommend using a cast iron skillet, starting the cooking skin down on the stove top and then transferring to the oven at 350F. Chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the juices run clear.

half of a white plate with two chicken breasts, one of which has been partially sliced, garnished with sliced lemons and sprigs of thyme

If you try this Crispy and Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast recipe I would appreciate it if you would give it a rating and short review. Also, be sure to snap a picture of the finished product and share it with me on Instagram by tagging @healmedelicious.

Looking for more AIP chicken recipes? How about

Crispy and Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast (AIP, paleo, Whole30)

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Author: Nicole @healmedelicious
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 2 chicken breasts 1x

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Description

These Crispy and Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breasts are crispy on the outside and tender, juicy and flavor packed on the inside, AIP, paleo and Whole30 compliant.

Ingredients

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2 bone-in chicken breasts, skin on
3 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tsp fresh thyme (leaves picked and finely chopped)
1/2 TBSP lemon zest
2 TBSP olive oil
1 1/4 tsp sea salt
sliced lemon (optional)

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Instructions

In a small bowl mix together crushed garlic, chopped thyme, lemon zest, olive oil and sea salt.
Pour mixture over chicken breasts and massage in with your hands on all sides of the chicken. If possible, slide your finger under the skin to get the seasoning underneath.
Allow chicken to marinate for 30 minutes.
Once marinated, place breasts skin side down into air fryer.
Set to 400F and cook for 23-25 minutes, flipping once halfway throughout. If desired, drizzle olive oil over sliced lemon and place in air fryer alongside the chicken at the halfway point.
Chicken is ready when the internal temperature reads 165F or when juices run clear.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Mains