Description
This air fryer chicken breast recipe delivers perfectly tender, juicy results in just 15 minutes! With a simple seasoning blend and foolproof technique, you’ll get restaurant-quality chicken that’s crispy outside and moist inside every time.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–8 oz each, about 1 inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
Optional Marinade Enhancement:
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (for extra tenderness)
- 1 tablespoon honey (for caramelization)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (for depth of flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. If breasts are over 1.5 inches thick, butterfly them by slicing horizontally through the middle.
- Brine for Ultimate Juiciness: Dissolve 1 tablespoon kosher salt in 2 cups water. Submerge chicken for 15-30 minutes. Remove and pat completely dry.
- Season Generously: Drizzle with olive oil and massage into meat. Combine all spices in a small bowl. Rub seasoning blend evenly over both sides, pressing gently to adhere.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for 3-5 minutes.
- Cook to Perfection: Place chicken in air fryer basket without overlapping. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cooking times: 1 inch thick = 12 minutes, 1.5 inches = 15 minutes, 2 inches = 18 minutes.
- Check Temperature: Use instant-read thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in thickest part.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow to rest for 5 minutes before slicing to redistribute juices.
Notes
Pro Tips:
• Season chicken up to 24 hours ahead for deeper flavor
• Don’t skip the oil – it helps seasonings stick and promotes browning
• Use meat thermometer for accuracy rather than relying on time alone
• Pound uneven breasts to uniform thickness for consistent cooking
Storage:
• Refrigerate up to 4 days in airtight container
• Freeze up to 3 months when properly wrapped
• Reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes for best texture
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0
- Sodium: 590
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 1
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 52
- Cholesterol: 125
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