Go Back

Air Fryer Garlic Butter Chicken Breast Recipe

Juicy, buttery chicken breasts that taste fancy but are super easy. Made in the air fryer with garlic and a few simple ingredients. Perfect for busy nights when you just need dinner to be done and taste good. Kid-approved, no oven needed.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Resting Time 3 minutes
Servings 2 people

Ingredients
  

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 3 tablespoons butter melted
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • Salt to taste
  • Black Pepper to taste

Optional:

  • dried parsley or Italian seasoning

Instructions
 

Preheat the air fryer

  • Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 3–5 minutes.

Prep the garlic butter

  • In a small bowl, mix together melted butter and minced garlic. Add a little salt and pepper to taste.

Pat the chicken dry

  • Use a paper towel to dry the chicken breasts. This helps them get more golden in the air fryer.

Brush on the garlic butter

  • Coat both sides of each chicken breast with the garlic butter mix. You can also pour a little extra on top if you want more flavor.

Air fry the chicken

  • Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 16–18 minutes, flipping halfway through. Thicker pieces may need an extra minute or two.

Check for doneness

  • Use a meat thermometer or cut into the thickest part. Chicken should reach an internal temp of 165°F (74°C).

Rest before serving

  • Let the chicken sit for about 3 minutes before slicing. It helps the juices stay in.

Serve and enjoy

  • Slice and serve with your favorite side dish. Add extra melted garlic butter on top if you are feeling fancy.

Notes

Tips

  • If your chicken is super thick, slice it in half so it cooks faster and even.
  • Do not skip the rest time after cooking — it helps keep the juices in.
  • Use a meat thermometer if you got one. 165°F is the goal for cooked chicken.
  • Want crispier edges? Bump the temp up to 390°F for the last 2 minutes.

Variations

  • Cheesy: Add grated Parmesan on top for the last 2 minutes in the air fryer.
  • Spicy: Mix in red pepper flakes with the butter.
  • Crispy coating: Coat the chicken in seasoned panko before air frying for extra crunch.
  • Lemon garlic: Add a squeeze of lemon juice into the garlic butter. Bright and fresh.