Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If they are very thick, pound them to an even thickness so they cook more evenly.
Place the chicken in a bowl or on a plate and drizzle with olive oil.
In a small bowl, stir together the salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over both sides of the chicken and rub it in evenly.
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F if your model requires it.
Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them.
Air fry for 15 to 18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Pound the chicken evenly: If the chicken breasts are very thick, pounding them to an even thickness helps them cook more evenly and keeps the thinner ends from drying out.
Pat the chicken dry first: This helps the oil and seasoning stick better and gives the chicken a better texture in the air fryer.
Do not overcrowd the basket: Leave space between the chicken breasts so the hot air can circulate properly and cook them evenly.
Use a thermometer: Chicken is done when the thickest part reaches 165°F. This is the best way to make sure it stays juicy and does not overcook.
Let it rest before slicing: Resting the chicken for 5 minutes helps the juices settle so it stays more tender when sliced.