Ingredients
Chicken Breasts
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approx. 6-8 ounces each)
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or your favorite herb blend)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Small bowl for mixing spices
- Meat thermometer (optional, but highly recommended)
Instructions
1. Prep the chicken
- If necessary, trim excess fat from chicken breasts.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels for best browning.
- Lightly pound the thicker parts of the breasts with a meat mallet or rolling pin to promote even cooking. Don’t pound them too thin.
2. Make the seasoning mix
- In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Season the chicken
- Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and rub it all over.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mix generously on both sides of the chicken, rubbing it in gently.
4. Preheat the air fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
5. Cook the chicken
- Place the chicken breasts in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding for even cooking.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, then flip the chicken breasts over.
- Continue cooking for another 6-10 minutes or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Cooking time might vary depending on the size and thickness of your chicken.
6. Rest
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in even more tender chicken.
7. Serve
- Slice the chicken breasts or serve whole. Enjoy with your favorite sides!
Tips
Do not overcrowd the air fryer: Leave space around the chicken for hot air to circulate and create crispy edges. Cook in batches if needed.
Check the internal temperature: For food safety and perfect results, use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C).
Experiment with seasonings: Customize the recipe with your favorite herbs and spices. Try Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, or any other blend you enjoy.
Serve with a dipping sauce: Consider dipping the chicken in honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ sauce.
