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Air Fryer Juicy Chicken Breast

This dish features tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked in an air fryer, resulting in a crispy exterior and moist interior. The process involves seasoning, drying, and air frying to achieve a golden crust and flavorful bite with minimal effort and quick turnaround time.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces chicken breasts preferably skinless and boneless
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil helps seasonings stick and promotes crispness
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika smoked paprika adds smoky flavor and color
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest or juice for brightness

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Paper towels
  • Meat thermometer
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) and prepare your chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels until no moisture remains.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and lemon zest to create a flavorful seasoning blend.
  3. Brush each chicken breast with a light coat of olive oil, then generously rub the spice mixture all over both sides of the chicken, ensuring an even coating.
  4. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping for optimal air circulation.
  5. Cook the chicken for about 10 minutes, then flip each piece using tongs to ensure even browning on both sides.
  6. Continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 75°C (165°F) and the exterior is golden and crispy.
  7. Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the air fryer and let them rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute.
  8. Slice the chicken against the grain, then serve immediately with a squeeze of fresh lemon for added brightness and flavor.

Notes

For extra crispness, you can spray the chicken lightly with cooking spray before air frying. Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the breasts and your air fryer model.