15 Best Chicken Breast Recipes for Air Fryer: Quick, Healthy, and Flavorful Meals You’ll Crave
If you’ve ever struggled with dry, bland chicken breast from the oven or stovetop, the air fryer is about to become your new best friend. This compact kitchen appliance transforms boneless, skinless chicken breasts into juicy, tender, and flavorful meals in minutes—without drowning them in oil. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, cooking for one, or feeding a family, these 15 air fryer chicken breast recipes are proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. We’ve tested each recipe to ensure they stay moist, cook evenly, and deliver big flavor, even for first-time air fryer users. Let’s dive in.
Why Air Fryer Chicken Breast Beats Other Cooking Methods
Before we get to the recipes, let’s address why the air fryer is a game-changer for chicken breast. Traditional methods like baking or pan-searing often leave chicken dry because high heat evaporates moisture quickly. Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food, cooking it faster at lower temperatures (usually 350–400°F/175–200°C). This rapid circulation locks in juices while browning the surface—perfect for lean cuts like chicken breast. Plus, air frying uses little to no oil, making it ideal for those watching calories or fat intake.
Chicken breast is a nutritional powerhouse: it’s high in protein (about 26g per 3-oz serving), low in saturated fat, and packed with B vitamins. Pairing it with bold flavors from herbs, spices, marinades, or sauces turns this “plain” protein into a dish you’ll look forward to eating.
How to Prep Chicken Breast for Air Frying (Key to Juiciness)
The biggest mistake people make with air fryer chicken breast? Skipping prep. Follow these steps to avoid dryness and ensure even cooking:
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Start with quality chicken: Opt for fresh or thawed (never frozen-solid) boneless, skinless breasts. If using frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge—never microwave.
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Pound to even thickness: Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to flatten breasts to ½-inch thickness. Uneven pieces cook at different rates, leaving some dry and others underdone.
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Marinate or brine (optional but recommended): Even 15–30 minutes of marinating in acid (like lemon juice, yogurt, or vinegar) or a saltwater brine adds moisture. For deeper flavor, marinate 1–4 hours.
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Pat dry before seasoning: Excess moisture prevents seasoning from sticking. Use paper towels to gently blot the surface.
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Season generously: Don’t skimp on salt, pepper, and spices—they draw out moisture initially but then help lock it in during cooking.
15 Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipes You’ll Want to Make Weekly
1. Classic Lemon-Herb Chicken Breast
Perfect for: Weeknight dinners, meal prep
Ingredients (serves 2):
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to ½-inch thick)
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp dried oregano
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1 tsp dried thyme
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Zest of 1 lemon
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1 garlic clove, minced
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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1 tbsp lemon juice (for brushing mid-cook)
Instructions:
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Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
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In a bowl, mix olive oil, oregano, thyme, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper. Rub over chicken.
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Place chicken in the air fryer basket. Cook 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway. Brush with lemon juice during the last 5 minutes.
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Check internal temp: 165°F (74°C). Rest 5 minutes before slicing.
Pro tip: Serve with roasted veggies or a side salad. Leftovers keep in the fridge for 4 days.
2. Garlic-Butter Honey Glazed Chicken
Perfect for: Date nights, impressing guests
Ingredients (serves 2):
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2 chicken breasts
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2 tbsp melted butter
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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2 tbsp honey
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt and pepper
Instructions:
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Mix butter, garlic, honey, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Brush half over chicken.
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Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes. Flip, brush with remaining glaze, and cook 8–10 more minutes until caramelized.
3. Spicy Blackened Chicken Breast
Perfect for: Taco nights, sandwiches
Ingredients (serves 4):
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4 chicken breasts
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2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (or mix: 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp cayenne, ½ tsp oregano, ½ tsp thyme, salt)
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1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
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Rub chicken with oil and Cajun seasoning.
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Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping once, until crispy and cooked through.
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Shred and use in tacos, salads, or wraps.
4. Greek Lemon-Oregano Chicken (Meal Prep Star)
Perfect for: Salads, grain bowls, wraps
Ingredients (serves 4):
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4 chicken breasts
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3 tbsp olive oil
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2 tbsp lemon juice
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1 tbsp dried oregano
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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Salt and pepper
Instructions:
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Whisk all ingredients except chicken. Marinate chicken for 30 minutes (or overnight).
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Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes. Let cool, then slice or cube.
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Store in containers with quinoa, cucumbers, and feta for grab-and-go lunches.
5. Teriyaki Glazed Chicken Breast
Perfect for: Stir-fries, rice bowls
Ingredients (serves 2):
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2 chicken breasts
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3 tbsp teriyaki sauce
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1 tbsp honey
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1 tsp grated ginger
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1 garlic clove, minced
Instructions:
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Mix teriyaki, honey, ginger, and garlic. Brush over chicken.
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Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 10 minutes. Flip, brush again, and cook 8–10 more minutes.
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Reduce leftover glaze in a pan for extra sauce.
6. Buffalo Chicken Breast (For Wings Lovers)
Perfect for: Game day, sandwiches, salads
Ingredients (serves 2):
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2 chicken breasts
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¼ cup buffalo sauce (plus extra for brushing)
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1 tbsp olive oil
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½ tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
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Rub chicken with oil and garlic powder. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12 minutes.
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Brush with buffalo sauce, flip, and cook 5–7 more minutes.
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Serve with blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.
7. Mediterranean Herb Chicken
Perfect for: Pita wraps, souvlaki
Ingredients (serves 4):
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4 chicken breasts
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp dried rosemary
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1 tsp dried dill
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1 tsp lemon zest
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1 garlic clove, minced
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Salt and pepper
Instructions:
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Mix all ingredients. Marinate chicken for 1 hour.
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Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 12–15 minutes. Slice and serve with tzatziki, pita, and olives.
8. Coffee-Rubbed Chicken Breast (Bold Flavor)
Perfect for: Brunch, dinner with roasted potatoes
Ingredients (serves 2):
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2 chicken breasts
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1 tbsp ground coffee (espresso works best)
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1 tsp chili powder
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1 tsp cocoa powder
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1 tsp brown sugar
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½ tsp cumin
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1 garlic clove, minced
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Salt
Instructions:
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Mix all dry ingredients. Rub over chicken.
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Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes. The coffee adds a smoky, rich depth.
9. Peanut Butter-Ginger Chicken
Perfect for: Asian-inspired bowls
Ingredients (serves 2):
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2 chicken breasts
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2 tbsp peanut butter (unsweetened)
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1 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp honey
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1 tsp grated ginger
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1 garlic clove, minced
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1 tsp lime juice
Instructions:
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Microwave peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, and lime juice for 20 seconds to thin. Cool slightly.
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Brush over chicken. Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 10 minutes, flip, and cook 8–10 more minutes.
10. Simple Seasoned Chicken (No-Fuss Staple)
Perfect for: Busy weeknights, kids’ meals
Ingredients (serves 4):
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4 chicken breasts
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
Instructions:
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Mix all seasonings with oil. Rub over chicken.
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Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes. This is your go-to blank canvas for adding toppings later.
11. Ranch Chicken Breast (Crispy and Creamy)
Perfect for: Salads, dipping in ranch (yes, really)
Ingredients (serves 4):
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4 chicken breasts
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2 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp water (to thin seasoning)
Instructions:
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Mix ranch seasoning, oil, and water. Rub over chicken.
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Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 12–15 minutes. The seasoning creates a crispy, ranch-flavored crust.
12. Mango-Habanero Chicken (Tropical Twist)
Perfect for: Grilled chicken alternatives, summer grilling
Ingredients (serves 2):
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2 chicken breasts
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2 tbsp mango puree
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1 habanero pepper, minced (seeded for less heat)
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1 tbsp lime juice
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1 tsp honey
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1 garlic clove, minced
Instructions:
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Mix all ingredients. Marinate chicken for 30 minutes.
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Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes. The sweet and spicy sauce caramelizes beautifully.
13. Cheesy Garlic Chicken Breast (Comfort Food)
Perfect for: Melted cheese lovers
Ingredients (serves 2):
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2 chicken breasts, sliced horizontally into cutlets
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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½ cup shredded mozzarella
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1 tbsp grated Parmesan
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Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Rub cutlets with oil and garlic. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8 minutes.
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Top with cheeses, cook 3–5 more minutes until melted. Garnish with parsley.
14. Indian Tandoori Chicken (Restaurant-Style)
Perfect for: Naan wraps, curries
Ingredients (serves 4):
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4 chicken breasts
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¼ cup plain yogurt
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1 tbsp tandoori masala
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1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
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1 tsp turmeric
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1 tsp cumin
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Salt
Instructions:
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Mix yogurt, tandoori masala, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, cumin, and salt. Marinate chicken for 2 hours (or overnight).
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Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 12–15 minutes. The yogurt tenderizes the chicken, while the spices add vibrant color and flavor.
15. BBQ Chicken Breast (Slathered in Sauce)
Perfect for: Pulled chicken, sandwiches
Ingredients (serves 4):
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4 chicken breasts
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½ cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for brushing)
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions:
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Rub chicken with oil and paprika. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12 minutes.
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Brush with BBQ sauce, flip, and cook 8–10 more minutes. Shred and use in sandwiches or over baked beans.
Common Questions About Air Fryer Chicken Breast (Answered)
Q: Why is my air fryer chicken breast dry?
A: Overcooking is the main culprit. Use a meat thermometer—pull it at 160°F (71°C), then let it rest for 5 minutes (carryover cooking raises it to 165°F). Pounding to even thickness also helps.
Q: Can I cook frozen chicken breast in the air fryer?
A: Yes, but adjust time. Thaw slightly first (1–2 hours in the fridge) for even cooking. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Q: Do I need to flip chicken in the air fryer?
A: For even browning, flip halfway through. Thinner breasts may not need it, but thicker ones benefit.
Q: How do I reheat air fryer chicken without drying it out?
A: Spritz with water or broth, then air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes. Alternatively, microwave covered with a damp paper towel.
Final Thoughts: Air Fryer Chicken Breast Is Your New Go-To
Air frying chicken breast isn’t just about convenience—it’s about elevating a simple protein into a flavorful, healthy meal. With these 15 recipes, you’ll never run out of ideas for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Remember: patience with prep (pounding, marinating) and checking doneness with a thermometer are key to juicy results every time.
Whether you’re craving something spicy, tangy, cheesy, or herbaceous, there’s an air fryer chicken breast recipe here for you. Start with the Classic Lemon-Herb or Simple Seasoned versions for beginners, then branch out to bold flavors like Mango-Habanero or Tandoori. Your taste buds (and your body) will thank you.