Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe: The BEST Juicy Chicken Breasts
If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious recipe for perfectly cooked chicken breasts, this air fryer chicken breast recipe will deliver every time. With a golden, crispy exterior and a moist, tender inside, it’s perfect for any meal. Serve it on its own, use it for meal prep, or pair it with your favorite sides!
Preparation Time:
- Prep: 35 minutes
- Cook: 8 minutes
- Total: 48 minutes
- Servings: 2 chicken breasts
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Pound the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Cover with a large sheet of plastic wrap. Use a rolling pin, meat mallet, or the palm of your hand to lightly pound the chicken to an even thickness.
Step 2: Dry Brine (Optional but Recommended)
- Dry Brine: If you’re dry brining, sprinkle the chicken with kosher salt and place it on a plate. Leave it uncovered in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 day. This step helps enhance the flavor and moisture of the chicken. If you skip this step, you can add salt in the spice mixture later.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
- Spice Mix: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. If you skipped the dry brining step, add 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt to the spice mix.
- Coat with Olive Oil and Spices: Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil and rub them with the spice mixture, making sure to cover both sides evenly.
Step 4: Preheat and Air Fry
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, smooth side (presentation side) down. Cook for 6 minutes.
Step 5: Flip and Continue Cooking
- Flip the Chicken: After 6 minutes, use tongs to carefully flip the chicken over.
- Check Temperature: Continue cooking for another 2-8 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 155°F to 160°F (69°C to 71°C). Chicken is considered safe to eat at 165°F (74°C), but for juicier meat, I prefer removing it when it’s slightly underdone and letting the residual heat finish cooking it. The exact time will depend on the size of the chicken breasts and the air fryer model, so check frequently towards the end to avoid overcooking.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
- Rest the Chicken: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the air fryer and cover with foil. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute for the juiciest results.
- Serve: Slice the chicken and serve immediately. Enjoy it on its own or use it for meal prep!
Storage and Reheating:
- To Store: Refrigerate any leftover chicken breasts in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- To Reheat: Gently reheat the chicken in the air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
- To Freeze: Freeze the cooked chicken breasts in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm up in the air fryer or oven.
Nutrition (per 1 small, 6-ounce chicken breast):
- Calories: 237 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 109mg
- Potassium: 670mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Vitamin A: 545 IU
- Vitamin C: 2mg
- Calcium: 15mg
- Iron: 1mg
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q1: How do I make sure my chicken stays juicy in the air fryer?
A1: The key to juicy chicken is not overcooking it. Air fry the chicken until it reaches 155°F to 160°F internally, and then let it rest. The chicken will continue cooking during the rest period, which keeps it juicy without drying out.
Q2: What if I don’t have time to dry brine the chicken?
A2: If you’re short on time, you can skip the dry brining step and still achieve delicious results. Just make sure to season the chicken with the spice mix before cooking, and it will still be flavorful and tender.
Q3: Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?
A3: Yes! If you’re using frozen chicken breasts, there’s no need to thaw them. Increase the cooking time by about 5-8 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken, and check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
Q4: Can I use bone-in chicken breasts?
A4: You can use bone-in chicken breasts in the air fryer, but they will take longer to cook. You’ll likely need to cook them for an additional 8-10 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it’s cooked through.
Q5: What if I want to add extra flavor to the chicken?
A5: You can experiment with different herbs and spices in the seasoning mix, such as thyme, rosemary, or cumin. You can also marinate the chicken for a few hours before air frying to infuse even more flavor.
Q6: Can I use this recipe for chicken tenders or smaller cuts of chicken?
A6: Yes, you can use this recipe for smaller cuts of chicken, such as tenders. Just reduce the cooking time to 4-6 minutes for smaller pieces, and always check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Q7: Why is it important to let the chicken rest after cooking?
A7: Resting the chicken allows the juices to redistribute inside the meat, making it more tender and flavorful. Cutting into the chicken immediately can cause the juices to escape, resulting in drier meat.
Conclusion
This Air Fryer Chicken Breast recipe is simple yet incredibly flavorful, giving you a golden, crispy exterior with a moist, tender interior. It’s perfect for a quick dinner, meal prep, or a healthy addition to any dish. With just a few spices and your air fryer, you’ll have a juicy, perfectly cooked chicken every time. Happy cooking!