Southwest Chicken cooked in the air fryer is juicy and tender with the best flavor!

Everyone loves the air fryer, especially when it makes such flavorful and delicious chicken. This recipe is simple to cook, and healthy too. Chicken breast made air fryer style, turns out perfect every time, with the best Southwest-style seasoning ever. Serve as an entrée on its own, or slice and add to tacos, burritos, or fajitas for a whole new twist.

Air Fryer Southwest Chicken garnished with lime wedges

Air Fryer Southwest Chicken

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Best Air Fryer Chicken

  • This seasoning mixed with lime juice creates the best Southwest flavor! A little bit spicy and a little bit tangy, it’s perfect with so many side dishes.
  • The chicken cooks right in the seasoning, so no marinade is necessary. Quick and easy!
  • This recipe can be used for batch cooking some Southwest flavored chicken for salads or for make-ahead meals. Just slice or shred and add to favorites like Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas or use to top some cheesy Air Fryer Nachos.

Air Fryer Southwest Chicken Ingredients

Ingredients & Variations

CHICKEN 3 boneless chicken breasts should fit in almost any air fryer basket. Feel free to double the recipe, but be sure to cook in batches, especially with a smaller air fryer.

COATING Olive oil and lime juice combine to create the perfect acid & fat tanginess, that both tenderizes and flavors the meat while it’s cooking!

SEASONING Cumin & chili powder, garlic powder, & salt go so perfectly with the coating. So easy to make, but so delicious.

Southwest seasoned chicken in an air fryer basket

How to Make Air Fryer Southwest Chicken

It doesn’t get much easier than these two simple steps.

  1. Coat chicken with oil, lime juice, and seasoning mixture.
  2. Air fry (as per the recipe below), making sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Be sure to rest before slicing and serving.

Air Fryer Southwest Chicken on a plate garnished with lime wedges

Tips for Juicy Air Fryer Chicken

  • Always preheat the air fryer, so that it seals in the juices when the chicken is added.
  • Air fry in a single layer or the chicken will not cook properly.
  • Even perfectly cooked chicken breasts will turn rubbery if sliced immediately after cooking, so don’t skip the resting step—no matter how hungry everybody is! Chicken (and other meats) definitely needs some time to allow the juices to redistribute before slicing.
  • Southwest Chicken will keep in the refrigerator for up to four days. To keep it juicy, do not reheat it in the microwave. Instead, learn How to Reheat Chicken in an Air Fryer.
  • For a juicy cold chicken sandwich or tortilla wrap, make it with Southwest chicken salad, made with a little mayo and celery. Perfect with lettuce and fresh tomato!

Best Chicken Recipes

Air Fryer Southwest Chicken garnished with lime wedges
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Air Fryer Southwest Chicken

A perfectly seasoned chicken breast delicious served on its own or over a salad.
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 19 minutes
5 minutes
Total Time 26 minutes
Servings 3 servings

Ingredients  

  • 3 boneless chicken breasts 7 ounces each
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions 

  • Preheat air fryer to 370°F.
  • Toss chicken with seasonings, oil, and lime juice.
  • Place chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  • Cook for 16-19 minutes flipping chicken after 10 minutes.
  • Rest 5 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Check the chicken early, do not overcook.
These are great sliced and served in taco shells or tortillas.
5 from 11 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
Or to leave a comment, click here!

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1chicken breast | Calories: 241kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 271mg | Potassium: 276mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 202IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Main Course
Cuisine American

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Air Fryer Southwest Chicken on a plate garnished with lime wedges with writing

Air Fryer Southwest Chicken on a plate with writing
Top image - Air Fryer Southwest Chicken on a plate with lime wedges. Bottom image - Southwest seasoned chicken in an air fryer basket with writing

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About the author

Holly is a mom of 4 with a love for all things air fryer! Her greatest passion is creating in the kitchen and making recipes for the everyday home cook!
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Comments

  1. Love your recipes. However, a setting of air fry, roast, bake, broil are not included in the recipe. Why have all those settings if there is no guidance as to how to use them?