Name: Air Fryer Italian Chicken Breast
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: italian
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 garlic clove, minced; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper

Jump to Recipe

Air Fryer Italian Chicken Breast is juicy and tender, packed with bold, herby flavor thanks to a balsamic-garlic marinade, and it cooks in just 20 minutes! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

You’ll Love This Recipe Because…

It’s quick, flavorful, and incredibly juicy—marinated in a simple blend of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and Italian seasoning, then air fried to perfection. Great for meal prep or an easy weeknight dinner, this chicken is versatile and delicious hot or cold.

What Is Air Fryer Italian Chicken Breast?

This is a simple marinated chicken breast recipe that’s cooked in the air fryer for maximum juiciness and flavor with minimal effort. The Italian-inspired marinade brings a punch of flavor while the air fryer gives you golden, tender chicken in just 20 minutes.

How Does It Compare?

Think of this as a lighter, faster version of oven-roasted Italian chicken—without sacrificing flavor. It’s juicier than grilled chicken and way less mess than pan frying. The air fryer locks in the moisture while delivering just the right amount of crisp on the outside.

Tips and Tricks That Make This Recipe Work

Marinate for at least 1 hour for maximum flavor—4 hours is even better.
Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for consistent cooking.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—give each piece space.
Flip halfway through to get golden edges on both sides.
Use a meat thermometer to make sure internal temp hits 165˚F.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Italian Chicken Breast

Here are some of our favorite pairings from the blog:

Boursin & Cream Cheese Creamed Spinach
Boursin Bruschetta Appetizer — this makes a lovely starter while your chicken cooks!
Caprese Caesar Salad

Tools & Equipment

My favorite Air Fryer!
Zip-top bags or airtight container
Tongs for easy flipping
Meat thermometer

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work great. Check the internal temperature of your chicken thighs and make sure it’s at 165˚.

Can I prep this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Marinate the chicken in the morning or the night before, then air fry when ready to eat.

What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar?
Red wine vinegar or lemon juice works as a quick substitute—just know the flavor will shift slightly.

How do I store leftovers?
Keep cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s perfect sliced over salads or tossed into pasta!