Description
Discover the ultimate air fryer chicken breast recipe for juicy and flavorful results. Learn how to make this delicious dish with our step-by-step guide!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons (10 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) ground black pepper
Instructions
- Position the chicken breasts on a cutting surface and cover them with a large piece of plastic wrap. Use a rolling pin, meat hammer, or your hand to gently flatten them to an even thickness.
- For Dry Brining*: Arrange the chicken on a plate and sprinkle evenly with kosher salt. Leave uncovered in the fridge for a minimum of 30 minutes or up to 24 hours. If skipping the dry brine, omit this step.
- When ready to use the air fryer: take the chicken out of the fridge and allow it to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a small bowl. (If the chicken wasn’t dry brined, add salt now.)
- Put the chicken in a large bowl, drizzle with vegetable oil, and scatter the spice blend over the chicken. Toss to ensure an even coating of spices on both sides.
- Set the air fryer to 375°F for preheating (mine heats in 3 minutes). Lay the chicken smooth side down in the fryer and cook for 6 minutes.
- Pull out the air fryer basket and carefully turn the chicken with tongs. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 155 to 160°F, which should take 2 to 8 additional minutes. Chicken is safe at 165°F, but removing it a few degrees earlier allows carryover cooking to complete the process. The overall cooking time depends on your air fryer model and chicken size. Smaller breasts (about 6 ounces each) may require around 8 minutes in total, while larger ones might need 14 minutes or more. Frequently check the chicken towards the end to prevent overcooking.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate. Cover and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Dry brining with kosher salt enhances flavor and keeps the chicken juicy.
- Allow the chicken to reach room temperature before cooking for even results.
- Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature and prevent overcooking.