Air-Fryer Bone-In Chicken Breasts

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

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 five 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 a salad or some rice, potatoes, or roasted veg.

Are These Air-Fryer Bone-In Chicken Breasts Healthy?

Yes, this recipe is a pretty 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. There is a bit of oil in this recipe, but it’s a small amount of heart-healthy olive oil.

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. Both of these things ensure you get a perfectly golden, evenly cooked outside with a juicy, moist interior.

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, Baked Potatoes In Foil, and Corn Salad are great together as grain, veggie, and salad pairings. Have them with your delicious chicken breasts, or make all three but serve them one at a time as a way to switch things up throughout the week!

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