Air Fryer Chicken Breast: Perfectly Juicy & Crispy Every Time
This revolutionary kitchen appliance delivers perfectly cooked chicken breast that’s incredibly juicy on the inside and wonderfully crispy on the outside, all with minimal oil.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Small bowl
- Cutting board
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each, 1-inch thick)
1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika for added depth)
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or dried oregano/thyme)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
Cooking spray (optional, for air fryer basket)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry thoroughly with paper towels. If your chicken breasts are very thick (over 1 inch), you can lightly pound them to an even thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt. Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil, then sprinkle the seasoning mixture generously over all sides of the chicken, rubbing it in to adhere.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray if desired.
- Place Chicken in Basket: Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary, ensuring there's space for air to circulate around each piece.
- Air Fry: Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping the chicken breasts halfway through the cooking time (around the 5-6 minute mark).
- Check Doneness & Rest: Cook until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken breast reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. Once cooked, transfer the chicken breasts to a plate or cutting board and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving.
Notes
- Resting is Key: Resting your chicken is crucial for ensuring a juicy result. Do not skip this step.
- For Extra Crispy Skin: Ensure the chicken is patted very dry before seasoning.
- Safe Cooking: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature.