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Air Fryer Chicken Breast

This recipe features chicken breasts cooked in an air fryer to achieve a crispy exterior and juicy interior. The key steps involve seasoning, preheating, and flipping the chicken to ensure even cooking and a golden crust. The final dish is tender, flavorful, and beautifully browned, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces chicken breasts boneless, skinless
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil helps crisp the exterior
  • 1 teaspoon salt to enhance flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground if possible
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika for smoky depth
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder optional for extra flavor
  • Zest of 1 lemon lemon zest brightens the flavor

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Meat thermometer
  • Tongs
  • Paper towels

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels until the surface feels smooth and no moisture remains. This step helps the seasoning adhere and the skin crisp up nicely.
  2. Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for about 3 minutes—this ensures a hot environment for crispy results.
  3. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and lemon zest to create a flavorful seasoning blend.
  4. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast, coating thoroughly for maximum flavor.
  5. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not crowded and have space around them for hot air circulation.
  6. Cook the chicken for 10 minutes, then carefully flip each breast using tongs, ensuring the crispy side stays up.
  7. Continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
  8. Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes on a cutting board. This helps lock in the juices.
  9. Slice the chicken breasts against the grain, revealing juicy, tender meat with a crispy exterior.
  10. Serve immediately, perhaps with a squeeze of fresh lemon for added brightness and flavor.

Notes

For extra crispness, spray the chicken lightly with cooking spray before cooking. Adjust seasoning to taste, adding herbs or spices as desired.