Description
Learn how to make delicious and crispy air fryer chicken breast with our easy recipe. Perfect for a quick and healthy meal. Master the art of air frying!
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1/2 tsp (3 ml) kosher salt
- 2 tsp vegetable oil (10 ml)
- 1 tsp (5 ml) paprika
- 1/2 tsp (3 ml) garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp (3 ml) onion powder
- 1/4 tsp (1 ml) ground black pepper
Instructions
- Lay the chicken breasts on a chopping board and cover them with a large piece of plastic wrap. Use a rolling pin, meat mallet, or your hand to gently pound the chicken until it is of uniform thickness.
- For Dry Brining*: Arrange the chicken on a dish and sprinkle it evenly with kosher salt. Leave it uncovered in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to a full day. If you choose not to dry brine, proceed to the next step.
- Once you’re ready to cook in the air fryer, take the chicken out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a small bowl. If you skipped the dry brining, include the salt now.
- Place the chicken in a large bowl, pour the vegetable oil over it, and sprinkle with the spice blend. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated on both sides.
- Set the air fryer to 375 degrees F to preheat (my model requires 3 minutes to warm up). Place the chicken with the smooth side facing downward in the air fryer and cook for 6 minutes.
- Carefully take out the air fryer basket and flip the chicken using tongs. Continue cooking until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches between 155 and 160 degrees F, which should take another 2 to 8 minutes. Although chicken is safe to eat at 165 degrees F, it is advisable to remove it slightly earlier and let the residual heat complete the cooking. The total cooking duration depends on your air fryer model and the size of the chicken. Smaller pieces (around 6 ounces each) should take about 8 minutes in total, while larger ones might require 14 minutes or more. Frequently check towards the end to prevent overcooking, as this will dry out the chicken.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate, cover it, and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Marinate chicken in spice blend and oil for 30 mins before cooking for added flavor.
- Let chicken rest after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy and tender results.
- Adjust cooking time based on chicken breast thickness for moist, cooked-through meat.