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Juicy sliced air fryer chicken breast on a white plate with a golden paprika-seasoned crust

Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Juicy, golden air fryer chicken breast made with a simple dry brine and savory spice blend. High protein, no breading, and perfect for meal prep.
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Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Total Time 49 minutes
Servings: 2 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 237
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt for dry brine
  • 2 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Instant-read thermometer
  • Meat mallet or rolling pin
  • cutting board

Method
 

  1. Place chicken breasts on a cutting board, cover with plastic wrap, and lightly pound to an even thickness using a rolling pin or meat mallet.
  2. Sprinkle the chicken all over with kosher salt. Place uncovered on a plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
  3. Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  4. In a small bowl, stir together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
  5. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and coat evenly with the spice mixture on both sides.
  6. Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F. Place the chicken smooth side down in the basket and cook for 6 minutes.
  7. Flip the chicken with tongs and continue cooking for 2 to 8 more minutes depending on breast size, until an instant-read thermometer reads 155 to 160 degrees F in the thickest part.
  8. Transfer to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. Carryover cooking will bring the chicken safely to 165 degrees F.

Notes

Do not skip the dry brine. It seasons the meat all the way through and keeps it juicy. Always use an instant-read thermometer and pull the chicken at 155 to 160 degrees F. For frozen chicken, preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees F and cook for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping once halfway through. For spicy chicken, add 1/8 to 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper to the spice blend.
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