These Air Fryer Chicken Breasts are incredibly juicy and flavorful, and they’re ready in just 10 minutes! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a healthy and delicious protein source in a flash. The air fryer creates a crispy exterior while keeping the chicken breasts incredibly moist and tender. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to achieve restaurant-quality chicken at home with this simple recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe requires minimal prep and cooks in just 10 minutes.
- Juicy and Flavorful: The air fryer creates a crispy exterior while keeping the chicken breasts incredibly moist and tender.
- Healthy: Air frying is a healthier alternative to traditional frying, as it uses less oil.
- Versatile: Serve these chicken breasts with your favorite sides, add them to salads, or use them in sandwiches and wraps.
Ingredients
Brine (Optional)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Use high-quality chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture.
- Water: Used for the brine.
- Sea salt: Used to brine the chicken, resulting in juicier and more flavorful meat.
Seasoning
- Olive oil: Used to coat the chicken and help the seasonings adhere.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor.
- Sea salt: Enhances the flavor of the chicken.
- Paprika: Adds a smoky flavor and vibrant color.
- Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat.
Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
Step 1: Brine the Chicken (Optional)
If you have time, brining the chicken breasts is highly recommended. It helps to keep them juicy and flavorful. To brine, stir the salt into the water in a large bowl. Add the chicken breasts, making sure they are submerged. Let them sit for 10 minutes at room temperature, or for up to a day in the refrigerator.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Rinse the brine from the chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels. Even if you didn’t brine the chicken, patting it dry is important for achieving a crispy exterior.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Brush both sides of the chicken breasts with olive oil. Sprinkle both sides with garlic powder, sea salt, paprika, and black pepper.
Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching or barely touching. If your chicken breasts are too large to fit in a single layer, air fry them in batches. Don’t overcrowd the basket. Air fry at 400°F (204°C) until the internal temperature reaches 163-165°F (73-74°C). This will take about 7-10 minutes for small chicken breasts (5-7 oz), 10-12 minutes for medium (8-10 oz), or 12-16 minutes for large (11-12 oz).
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Remove the air fryer basket with the chicken and cover it with foil. Rest for 5 minutes before serving or slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Brine for extra juiciness: Brining the chicken breasts is highly recommended for achieving maximum juiciness and flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket: Overcrowding the basket will prevent the chicken from crisping up properly.
- Use a meat thermometer: A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Let the chicken rest: Resting the chicken after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat.
How to Serve
These Air Fryer Chicken Breasts are incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sides:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing for this dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts, add a healthy and colorful touch.
- Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
Make Ahead and Storage
These Air Fryer Chicken Breasts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can also prepare components ahead of time or store leftovers for later.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken breasts for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts? Yes, you can! However, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts will take longer to cook.
2. Can I use different seasonings? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite seasonings, such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or herbs.
3. Can I cook this recipe in the oven? Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
4. Can I add a sauce to the chicken? Definitely! You can toss the cooked chicken breasts with your favorite sauce, such as barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or teriyaki sauce.
This Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe is a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy juicy and flavorful chicken. With its simple preparation, healthy cooking method, and versatile serving options, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!
PrintAir Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe (10 Min, So Juicy!)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Air Fryer Chicken Breasts are incredibly juicy and flavorful, and they’re ready in just 10 minutes! With a simple seasoning blend and a quick cook time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you need a healthy and delicious protein option.
Ingredients
-
Brine (Optional but Recommended):
- 4 (8-oz) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup sea salt
-
Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Brine Chicken (Optional): In a large bowl, dissolve salt in water. Submerge chicken breasts and let sit for 10 minutes at room temperature, or up to a day in the refrigerator.
- Prep Chicken: Rinse brined chicken and pat dry. (Pat chicken dry even if you skipped brining.)
- Season: Brush chicken with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, paprika, and pepper.
- Air Fry: Place chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. Air fry at 400°F (204°C) until the internal temperature reaches 163-165°F (73-74°C). This will take approximately 7-10 minutes for small breasts, 10-12 minutes for medium, and 12-16 minutes for large.
- Rest: Remove the basket and cover with foil. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Brining helps to keep the chicken breasts moist and flavorful.
- Adjust cooking time based on the size of your chicken breasts and your air fryer model. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
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