Description
Master air fryer chicken breasts with our step-by-step timing guide. Get a golden crust and juicy results using simple ingredients. Ready in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (approximately 8–10 oz each)
- 1 tsp avocado oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Step: Place the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet to gently pound the thickest part of the breast until it reaches an even 1-inch thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
- Step: Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels to facilitate the Maillard reaction.
- Step: Rub the chicken with avocado oil, then coat thoroughly and evenly with the combined salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Step: Allow the seasoned chicken to sit for 15 minutes. This acts as a dry brine, breaking down muscle proteins to lock in moisture.
- Step: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Step: Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch or overlap.
- Step: Cook for 12 to 18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until an instant-read thermometer registers an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Step: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes. Carryover cooking will bring the internal temperature to the food-safe 165°F (74°C) while retaining juices.
Notes
Ensure the chicken is not crowded in the basket for the best golden crust. The dry brine step is crucial for moisture retention. If your chicken is thicker than 1 inch, adjust cooking time slightly.
- Prep Time: PT15M
- Cook Time: PT15M
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breast
- Calories: 163 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 585 mg
- Fat: 4.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 84 mg