Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe
This Air Fryer Chicken Breast recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken with a perfectly seasoned crispy exterior. Using a dry brine and a blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper, the chicken is air fried to perfection in under 20 minutes, making it an easy, healthy weeknight dinner option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (including resting and optional dry brine time of minimum 30 minutes)
- Cook Time: 14 minutes (average, including flipping and finishing cooking)
- Total Time: 48 minutes (including minimum dry brine time and rest periods)
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (for dry brine)
Seasoning and Oil
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Pound: Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover with a large sheet of plastic wrap. Using a rolling pin, meat mallet, or your palm, gently pound the chicken to an even thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Dry Brine (Optional): Sprinkle kosher salt all over the chicken breasts and place them uncovered on a plate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 day. This step enhances flavor and juiciness. If skipping dry brine, add salt later with the spices.
- Rest: Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking.
- Prepare Spice Mix: In a small bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground black pepper. If you did not dry brine, add the salt to this mixture.
- Coat Chicken: Place the chicken in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle the spice blend over the chicken and toss to evenly coat and rub the spices on both sides.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Most models take about 3 minutes to heat.
- Air Fry First Side: Place the chicken smooth side down in the air fryer basket. Cook for 6 minutes to get a good sear and crisp exterior.
- Flip and Cook Second Side: Using tongs, carefully flip the chicken breasts over. Continue cooking for an additional 2 to 8 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers between 155°F and 160°F. This temperature allows for carryover cooking to reach a safe internal temp of 165°F without drying out the chicken.
- Rest Again: Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy your perfectly cooked air fryer chicken breasts.
Notes
- Dry brining enhances the flavor and moisture of the chicken but can be skipped if short on time.
- Monitor the internal temperature carefully to avoid overcooking and drying out the chicken.
- Cooking time will vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts and your air fryer model; adjust as needed.
- Letting the chicken rest after cooking is crucial for juicy results.
- The spice mix can be adjusted to personal preference or swapped with your favorite seasoning blend.
Find it online: https://cookedbysarah.com/air-fryer-chicken-breast-recipe/