January 10, 20263hlhm

Perfectly Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast






Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast | Quick & Easy Recipe


Perfectly Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Say goodbye to dry, bland chicken! This air fryer chicken breast recipe delivers incredibly juicy, flavorful, and tender results every single time. With minimal prep and under 20 minutes of cook time, it’s the ultimate healthy weeknight dinner solution.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 12-15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 2


Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: Fresh parsley or chopped herbs for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear.
  2. Season: In a small bowl, mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the oil over the chicken breasts, then rub the spice mixture evenly over all sides.
  3. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking from the start.
  4. Cook: Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, not touching. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time.
  5. Check for Doneness: The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part using a meat thermometer.
  6. Rest: Transfer the chicken to a plate, tent loosely with foil, and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum juiciness.
  7. Serve: Slice and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Tips for Success

Even Thickness: For perfectly even cooking, pound thicker chicken breasts to an even 1-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.

Don’t Overcrowd: Always cook in a single layer with space between pieces. Cook in batches if necessary.

Temperature is Key: A meat thermometer is the best way to guarantee perfect doneness without overcooking.

Variations: Swap the spices for taco seasoning, lemon pepper, or a simple brush of BBQ sauce in the last 2 minutes of cooking.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Note: Nutrition is an estimate and may vary based on ingredient brands and sizes.

Calories: ~250 | Protein: 38g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 1.5g | Carbohydrates: 2g | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 0.1g | Sodium: 680mg

This juicy air fryer chicken breast is a fantastic lean protein base for meal prep, salads, grain bowls, or a simple dinner with roasted vegetables and rice. Enjoy your quick, healthy, and delicious meal!