Sometimes, the evening sneaks up on you—there’s that moment when you open the fridge, and suddenly you realize dinner needs to happen, pronto. That’s exactly when this air fryer chicken breast with pesto steps in. It’s not complicated, but it tastes like you spent hours fussing over the stove.
I remember last Thursday, I was halfway through scrolling on my phone, distracted by a message that popped up, when I tossed the chicken in the air fryer. The house quickly filled with that warm, garlicky aroma, and even though I almost forgot to flip the chicken halfway, the result was still juicy and tender. Spreading the pesto on top felt like the final touch to something simple but satisfying. It’s one of those meals you can make on repeat without ever really getting tired of it.
- Juicy chicken breasts that stay tender thanks to air frying—a method that’s quick and keeps the kitchen cool.
- The fresh basil pesto adds a burst of flavor that makes this feel like a meal you’d order out, but it’s way easier.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.
- Perfect for nights when you want a home-cooked feel without spending hours standing over the stove.
- A small tradeoff: it’s not a saucy dish, so if you’re craving something more indulgent, add a side or a drizzle of extra pesto.
And hey, if you’re worried about leftovers, this chicken holds up well in the fridge for a few days, making lunches or quick dinners that much easier.
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Air Fryer Chicken Breast with Pesto
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
Description
Juicy and flavorful chicken breasts cooked to perfection in the air fryer, topped with fresh basil pesto for a quick and delicious meal.
Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 cup fresh basil pesto
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
Brush both sides of each chicken breast with olive oil.
Season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they do not overlap.
Cook the chicken breasts in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 14-15 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Remove the chicken breasts from the air fryer and let them rest for 3 minutes.
Spread 2 tablespoons of fresh basil pesto over each chicken breast before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Don’t worry about fancy tools here—your air fryer does all the work, and it’s forgiving if you get distracted mid-cook. I usually serve this chicken with a simple salad or roasted veggies, but you could also toss it over pasta or grain bowls for a heartier meal. Sometimes, I’ve tried swapping the basil pesto for sun-dried tomato pesto just to mix things up, though I haven’t tested every combo.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken breasts? It’s best to thaw them first for even cooking, but if you’re in a pinch, add a few extra minutes to the air fryer time and check the temperature carefully.
What if I don’t have an air fryer? You can bake the chicken in a hot oven instead, though it might take a bit longer and won’t have quite the same crispy edges.
Can I make the pesto ahead of time? Absolutely. Homemade or store-bought pesto both work well. Just spread it on right before serving.
Give this air fryer chicken breast with pesto a try the next time you want a quick, satisfying meal that feels a little special without the stress.