Name: Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 43 min
Ingredients: 2 boneless (skinless chicken breasts); 2 teaspoons olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

JUMP TO RECIPE

Cooking chicken breasts in an air fryer is a game-changer for those who crave a quick, delicious, and healthy meal. This method ensures the chicken is cooked to perfection—crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Air fryer chicken breasts are not only simple to prepare but also packed with flavor, making them an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner or a weekend feast.

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Ingredients Needed

To make this mouthwatering dish, you will need 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 2 teaspoons of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in bringing out the best flavors. The olive oil helps the seasoning adhere to the chicken while adding a slight richness. Paprika provides a mild, smoky flavor, and the combination of garlic and onion powder enhances the overall taste profile. Kosher salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in bringing out the best flavors. The olive oil helps the seasoning adhere to the chicken while adding a slight richness. Paprika provides a mild, smoky flavor, and the combination of garlic and onion powder enhances the overall taste profile. Kosher salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

Begin by laying the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Cover them with a large piece of plastic wrap to avoid any mess. Using a rolling pin, meat mallet, or even your palm, gently pound the chicken to an even thickness. This step is vital as it ensures the chicken cooks evenly.

Dry Brining the Chicken

Dry brining involves generously sprinkling kosher salt over the chicken breasts and placing them uncovered in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours. This process not only seasons the chicken but also helps retain its moisture, resulting in a juicier end product. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, though it significantly enhances the flavor and texture.

Seasoning the Chicken

Once the chicken is ready, take it out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. If you didn’t dry brine, add the salt now. Place the chicken in a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and rub the spice blend evenly on both sides, ensuring every part of the chicken is coated.

Cooking in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F, which typically takes about 3 minutes. Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket with the smooth side facing down. Cook for 6 minutes before carefully flipping the chicken using tongs. Continue cooking for another 2 to 8 minutes until the internal temperature reaches between 155 and 160 degrees F. Removing the chicken slightly early allows the residual heat to bring it to the safe temperature of 165 degrees F without overcooking. The total cooking time will vary based on the size of the chicken breasts and your air fryer model. Always check frequently towards the end to prevent drying out the chicken.

Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and cover it, letting it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is tender and flavorful. Once rested, slice and enjoy your perfectly cooked air fryer chicken breasts.

Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for Ensuring Even Cooking

Pound the chicken to an even thickness to ensure it cooks uniformly.
Let the chicken rest at room temperature before cooking to promote even cooking.

Advice on Avoiding Overcooking

Monitor the internal temperature closely, aiming to remove the chicken at 155-160 degrees F.
Remember that the chicken will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the air fryer.

Suggestions for Achieving the Best Flavor and Texture

Don’t skip the dry brining if possible; it significantly improves the taste and juiciness.
Make sure the spice blend covers every part of the chicken for a consistent flavor.

How Do I Know When My Chicken is Done?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature is 165 degrees F.

Can I Use Bone-In Chicken Breasts?

Yes, but the cooking time will be longer. Always use a thermometer to check doneness.

What Other Seasonings Can I Use?

Feel free to experiment with different spices like cumin, chili powder, or Italian seasoning.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Air fryer chicken breasts pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving them with:

A fresh green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette
Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or asparagus
Grains such as quinoa, rice, or couscous

These sides complement the chicken without overpowering its flavors, creating a well-rounded meal.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

To store leftover chicken, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For reheating, you can use the microwave, but to maintain the best texture, reheat in the air fryer at a lower temperature until warmed through.

Air fryer chicken breasts are a fantastic addition to any meal plan. They’re easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and versatile. Try this recipe and savor the delicious results. Don’t hesitate to share your experience and any personal twists you add to this delightful dish.

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Begin by placing the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Cover them with a large piece of plastic wrap, and gently pound them with a rolling pin, meat mallet, or the palm of your hand until they have an even thickness.

To Dry Brine:

Position the chicken on a plate and generously sprinkle it with kosher salt. Place the plate in the refrigerator, uncovered, for a minimum of 30 minutes or up to 24 hours. If you opt to skip the dry brining step, proceed to the next steps without it.

When Ready to Air Fry:

Take the chicken out of the refrigerator and allow it to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper (add the salt here if you didn’t dry brine).
Place the chicken in a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle the spice blend over the top. Ensure the spices are rubbed evenly on both sides of the chicken breasts.
Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F. This should take about 3 minutes, depending on your model. Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket with the smooth side down. Cook for 6 minutes.
Carefully remove the air fryer basket and use tongs to flip the chicken breasts. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches between 155 and 160 degrees F, approximately another 2 to 8 minutes. Chicken is safe to eat at 165 degrees F, but removing it slightly early allows the residual heat to finish the cooking process. The total cooking time will depend on your air fryer model and the size of the chicken breasts. Smaller breasts (around 6 ounces each) may take about 8 minutes in total, while larger ones might need up to 14 minutes. Check frequently towards the end to avoid overcooking, which can dry out the chicken.
Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate, cover it, and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful chicken breast. Slice and enjoy!