Description
Succulent air fryer chicken breast delivers juicy, tender meat with a perfectly crisp exterior. Marinated in herbs and spices, this simple yet flavorful dish promises a quick and healthy meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1 tsp (5 ml) garlic powder
- 1 tsp (5 ml) paprika
- ½ tsp (2.5 ml) onion powder
- ½ tsp (2.5 ml) dried oregano or thyme
- ½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt
- ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) black pepper
- ½ tsp (2.5 ml) smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
Instructions
- Preparation: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels, eliminating excess moisture for optimal seasoning adherence.
- Seasoning Application: Coat chicken with olive oil, then create a flavor-packed rub using garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Massage spices thoroughly into the meat, ensuring complete coverage.
- Air Fryer Setup: Preheat air fryer to 375F (190C) for 3-5 minutes, creating an ideal cooking environment. Position chicken breasts in a single layer within the basket, maintaining space between pieces for uniform heat circulation.
- Cooking Process: Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping midway to achieve consistent golden-brown exterior and thorough internal cooking. Verify doneness by checking that internal temperature reaches 165F (74C) using a meat thermometer.
- Resting and Serving: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges, serving alongside a crisp salad or preferred accompaniment.
Notes
- Moisture Management: Pat chicken breasts completely dry to prevent steaming and achieve a crispy golden exterior, enhancing overall texture and browning potential.
- Strategic Seasoning: Massage spices directly into meat, creating deeper flavor penetration and ensuring every bite bursts with aromatic complexity.
- Spacing Technique: Arrange chicken breasts with sufficient room between pieces, preventing overcrowding that could compromise heat circulation and even cooking results.
- Temperature Precision: Always verify internal chicken temperature reaches 165F using a meat thermometer, guaranteeing food safety without sacrificing juicy tenderness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 16-18 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg