Description
This Air Fryer Chicken Breast recipe offers a quick and easy way to prepare juicy, flavorful chicken using a simple spice rub and optional brining for extra tenderness. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, the chicken is seasoned with a balanced blend of spices and cooked to perfection in an air fryer, ensuring a crispy exterior and tender interior without added oils.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ pounds)
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt (for brining, optional)
- Cool water (for brining)
Spice Rub
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon brown sugar (optional)
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Brine the chicken: If you choose to brine, place the chicken breasts in a large bowl with 1 tablespoon of kosher salt. Add enough cool water to cover the chicken, then cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight. This step helps the chicken retain moisture during cooking.
- Make the spice rub: In a small bowl, combine the remaining ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and brown sugar (if using). Mix well to create an even seasoning blend.
- Season the chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the brine (if applicable) and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. Brush both sides of the chicken with the olive oil, then sprinkle and rub the spice mixture evenly all over each breast.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F and allow it to preheat for a few minutes to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Cook the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they do not overlap. Cook for 8 minutes, then use tongs to flip the chicken breasts and cook for an additional 6 to 8 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F measured with an instant-read thermometer. Cooking times may vary depending on your specific air fryer model, so monitor closely to avoid overcooking.
Notes
- Brining is optional but recommended for extra juicy chicken.
- Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts and air fryer model.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to accurately check doneness.
- Brown sugar in the spice rub adds a slight caramelized sweetness but can be omitted for a less sweet profile.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute.
