Juicy air fryer butterfly chicken breast with paprika seasoning on a cutting board.
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Emma Lawson | 
15.07.2025

Butterfly Chicken Breast Air Fryer Recipe

This butterfly chicken breast air fryer recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy delicious, juicy chicken. It only requires a few simple ingredients like paprika seasoning, olive oil spray, and fresh chicken. Perfect for those who love grilled style air fryer chicken and air fryer chicken breast with paprika. Cooked at 400°F, you'll have juicy air fryer chicken fillet in no time, ideal for a midweek meal.
Prep Time
5m
Cook
12m
Total Time
17m
Yield
serves 4
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Chicken
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Chicken

What You’ll Need for Butterfly Chicken Breast Air Fryer

Essential Ingredients

  • 2 boneless chicken breasts, butterfly cut
  • 1 tbsp olive oil spray
  • 1 tsp paprika seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Lemon Zest

Add a sprinkle of lemon zest over the cooked chicken for extra freshness and zing. It complements the paprika seasoning beautifully, adding a citrusy note. A small amount can enhance the overall flavour, making your butterfly chicken breast air fryer experience even more delightful.

Why Use Olive Oil Spray

Olive oil spray is excellent for ensuring your butterfly chicken breast doesn't stick to the air fryer. It also helps the paprika seasoning adhere evenly, making sure every bite is flavourful. Used correctly, it can keep your air fryer chicken breast no breading from drying out, ensuring it remains juicy.

Steps to Cook Butterfly Chicken Breast in Air Fryer

Follow these steps to prepare juicy butterfly chicken breast in your air fryer.

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
  2. Pat the butterfly-cut chicken breasts dry with a paper towel.
  3. Spray each breast lightly with olive oil spray.
  4. Season both sides with paprika, salt, and pepper.
  5. Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket.
  6. Cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  7. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Avoid Overcooking

Avoid overcooking by sticking to the recommended time and flipping the chicken halfway. Resting the chicken keeps it juicy.
Perfectly cooked butterfly chicken breast in an air fryer basket.

Nutrition for Butterfly Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Calories: 320 | Protein: 30g | Carbs: 3g | Fat: 16g

Serving Butterfly Chicken Breast Air Fryer

Pair your butterfly chicken breast with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Perfect with a side of chips or a light grain like couscous. Enjoy the full flavours of the air fryer chicken breast with paprika, making every meal delightful.

Why You’ll Love This Butterfly Chicken Breast Recipe

This butterfly chicken breast air fryer recipe is a game-changer. Quick to make, it offers succulent, flavourful chicken every time. Whether you're trying air fryer chicken breast no breading or want a juicy, grilled style air fryer chicken, this method is perfect. Explore more tasty air fryer recipes at airfryerrecipe.co.uk.

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FAQs About Butterfly Chicken Breast Air Fryer

What is a butterfly chicken breast?

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A butterfly chicken breast is a chicken breast that is halved horizontally, allowing it to cook more evenly and quickly.
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Can you cook a split chicken breast in an air fryer?

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Yes, you can air fry split chicken breast easily, ensuring it's juicy and well-cooked.
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How do you make a chicken breast juicy in the air fryer?

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Use olive oil spray and let the chicken breast rest before slicing to ensure it's juicy.
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What temperature and time for air frying chicken?

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Cook at 400°F for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, for perfectly cooked chicken.
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