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Juicy and Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Close-up of perfectly cooked, sliced air fryer chicken breast showing a juicy white interior and a dark, seasoned crust.

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Make perfectly juicy and crispy chicken breast quickly in your air fryer. This recipe is simple for a fast weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts completely dry using paper towels. This step helps achieve crispiness.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and thyme.
  3. Rub the olive oil over both sides of the chicken breasts.
  4. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over all surfaces of the chicken.
  5. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for 5 minutes.
  6. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap.
  7. Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time. Cooking time depends on thickness.
  8. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
  9. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes before slicing or serving.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, you can lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray just before the last 5 minutes of cooking.
  • If your chicken breasts are very thick (over 1 inch), pound them to an even thickness before seasoning.
  • Resting the meat allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier final product.

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