Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner: the air fryer Italian herb chicken fillet! Seriously, it’s a game changer. Not only is it ridiculously simple to whip up, but the flavor is just out of this world! The first time I made it, I was amazed at how juicy and tender the chicken turned out, all thanks to the air fryer magic. I love how I can toss everything together in just a few minutes, and by the time I finish setting the table, dinner is ready to go! Plus, it’s healthy—perfect for those days when I want to eat well without sacrificing taste. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too!
Ingredients List
- 2 chicken fillets (boneless and skinless for the best results)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin is my go-to for flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (for that classic Italian taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (you can use fresh if you have it—just double the amount!)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (because garlic makes everything better)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy with the seasoning!)
How to Prepare the Air Fryer Italian Herb Chicken Fillet Recipe
Alright, let’s get cooking! First things first, you’ll want to preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial because it helps the chicken cook evenly and gives it that beautiful golden crust. While that’s heating up, grab a mixing bowl and combine the olive oil, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together until you have a lovely herb-infused mixture.
Next, take those chicken fillets and coat them generously with the herb mixture. Make sure every bit of that chicken is covered—you want all those delicious flavors to soak in! Once coated, place the chicken fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd them; you want the hot air to circulate freely for that perfect cook.
Now, it’s time to cook! Set your timer for about 12-15 minutes. I like to flip the fillets halfway through to ensure both sides get that nice crispiness. You’ll know they’re done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you have thicker fillets, you might need to add a few extra minutes. Once done, let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before slicing. This will keep it juicy and tender, and oh boy, it’s going to be so good!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note before we dive into the numbers: nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use. But here’s a rough estimate for one serving of this air fryer Italian herb chicken fillet. You’re looking at about 250 calories with 10 grams of fat (1.5 grams saturated), and a whopping 40 grams of protein—talk about a power-packed meal! There’s no sugar and zero carbs, making it a fantastic choice for a low-fat diet. So, whether you’re counting macros or just trying to eat healthier, this dish fits the bill beautifully!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—dinner is ready in just 25 minutes!
- Deliciously flavorful, thanks to the Italian herbs and spices.
- Health-conscious meal with low calories and high protein.
- Minimal cleanup—just the air fryer and a mixing bowl!
- Versatile dish that pairs well with various sides.
Tips for Success
To make sure your air fryer Italian herb chicken fillet turns out perfectly every time, here are a few of my go-to tips! First, if your chicken fillets are on the thicker side, don’t hesitate to add an extra couple of minutes to the cooking time. Just keep an eye on them to avoid drying out—nobody wants that!
Also, resting the chicken after cooking is crucial. I usually let mine sit for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful when you slice in. Oh, and if you’re feeling adventurous, play with the herb mix! A dash of red pepper flakes can add a little kick, or try fresh herbs for a burst of flavor. Happy cooking!
Variations
One of the best parts about this air fryer Italian herb chicken fillet recipe is how easy it is to customize! If you’re feeling adventurous, switch up the herbs—try thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist. You could even add a sprinkle of paprika for a smoky flavor! Want to spice things up? A pinch of cayenne pepper or some Italian seasoning can add a zesty kick!
If you’re in the mood for something different, consider marinating the chicken in lemon juice and herbs before air frying for a bright, tangy flavor. And don’t forget, you can use the same herb mixture on veggies or fish! Let your creativity flow in the kitchen!
Serving Suggestions
To make this air fryer Italian herb chicken fillet a complete meal, I love pairing it with a fresh side salad tossed in a light vinaigrette—think arugula, cherry tomatoes, and maybe some shaved Parmesan. It adds a nice crunch and balances the flavors beautifully! You could also serve it alongside roasted veggies, like zucchini and bell peppers, drizzled with a bit of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for that extra zing.
And if you’re in the mood for something heartier, creamy mashed potatoes or a side of garlic bread would be great options, soaking up all those delicious juices. Trust me, whatever you choose, it’s going to be a hit!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is a rarity, trust me!), storing them is super easy. Just let the chicken fillets cool completely, then place them in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, I recommend reheating in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This way, they’ll regain that delightful crispiness without drying out. You can also use the microwave, but be careful not to overheat—nobody wants rubbery chicken!
For more delicious chicken recipes, check out this lemon herb grilled chicken recipe or this chicken piccata recipe. If you’re looking for healthy meal options, you might also enjoy this healthy burger wrap recipe.
Print
Air Fryer Italian Herb Chicken Fillet Recipe: 5 Tips to Savor
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A simple air fryer recipe for Italian herb chicken fillets.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken fillets with the herb mixture.
- Place the chicken fillets in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) before serving.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time for thicker fillets.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: air fryer italian herb chicken fillet recipe
