Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the pesto and seasonings stick better and ensures the air fryer can crisp the edges perfectly.

In a small bowl, mix the pesto, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts until they’re well coated.

Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for 3–4 minutes. A preheated air fryer helps the chicken cook evenly and develop that golden crust.

Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8–10 minutes, flip, and cook for another 6–8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This locks in the juices so every bite stays moist and flavorful. Serve warm with extra pesto drizzled on top, if desired.