Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast
If you are looking for a practical and straightforward dinner, this Air Fryer Chicken Breast recipe delivers a tender and flavorful result. It uses a simple homemade sweet and savory seasoning blend to coat the meat, while the air fryer creates a golden exterior. By pounding the chicken to an even thickness and allowing it to rest before and after cooking, you lock in the moisture without needing a long, complicated marinade.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation.
- Simple homemade seasoning blend.
- Tenderized for a juicy center.
- Beginner-friendly method.
- Uses a food thermometer for accuracy.
Air Fryer Chicken Breast
2
servings10
minutes18
minutes48
minutesThis easy air fryer chicken breast recipe creates a juicy, tender center and a golden exterior using a simple homemade sweet and savory seasoning blend.
Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon brown sugar
Directions
- In a small bowl, stir together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and brown sugar until well blended.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel.
- Pound the chicken using a mallet or rolling pin to tenderize and even out the thickness.
- Brush both sides of the chicken breasts with olive oil.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken and rub it in evenly.
- Let the seasoned chicken rest for 5 minutes.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes.
- Place the chicken breasts smooth side down into the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 10 minutes, then carefully flip the chicken breasts.
- Cook for an additional 5 to 8 minutes until a food thermometer reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer and transfer it to a plate.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting to keep it juicy.
- Because carryover cooking can vary, verify that the thickest part safely reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit before serving.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Cooking times can vary depending on the exact thickness of your chicken breasts.
Use the highest time in the 5 to 8-minute range only if needed to reach the proper internal temperature.
Why This Technique Works
Pounding the chicken with a mallet or rolling pin before cooking does more than just even out the thickness—it physically tenderizes the meat for a better texture. Combining this step with a short 5-minute seasoned rest and a 5 to 10-minute resting period after cooking helps the chicken retain its natural juices when sliced.
Air Fryer Tips
Always preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit for this recipe. If your air fryer model does not feature a dedicated preheat button, you can simply run it empty for 5 minutes before adding your seasoned chicken.
