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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Breasts

This recipe uses an air fryer to cook chicken breasts quickly, resulting in a tender interior with a crisp, golden exterior. The chicken is seasoned simply with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs, making it versatile for various flavor tweaks. The final dish is juicy inside with an appealing crunch on the outside, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces chicken breasts skinless, boneless
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika optional for smoky flavor
  • 1 tsp garlic powder adds savory depth
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional for heat

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Paper towels
  • Tongs
  • Meat thermometer
  • Brush or spoon

Method
 

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) and prepare the chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels, which helps the seasonings stick and promotes browning.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper to create a flavorful seasoning paste.
  3. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast, pressing gently to adhere.
  4. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping to allow air circulation for crisping.
  5. Cook the chicken for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through with tongs. The chicken should be golden and crispy on the outside, and the internal temperature should reach 75°C (165°F) when checked with a meat thermometer.
  6. Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum juiciness.
  7. Slice the chicken against the grain, revealing the juicy, tender interior with a crisp, golden crust. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Adjust seasoning to taste. For extra crispness, lightly spray the chicken with oil before cooking.