– **Title**: Air Fryer Chicken Breast
– **Ingredients**:
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
3. In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form a marinade.
4. Coat the chicken breasts evenly in the marinade, ensuring they are well covered.
5. Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd.
6. Cook in the air fryer for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is golden brown.
7. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot. Enjoy your juicy air fryer chicken breast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe because they cook evenly and stay moist. If you’re looking for alternatives, you could use chicken thighs or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds flavor and helps the spices stick. If you want to switch it up, avocado oil or melted coconut oil can work well too. I’ve used both and love the results!
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These are key for flavor. If you don’t have them, fresh minced garlic and finely chopped onion can be used. Just remember to adjust the quantity, as they are stronger than powders!
Smoked Paprika: This gives a lovely smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika is fine, but you could also use chili powder for a bit more heat.
Italian Seasoning: A mix of herbs is essential for that extra flavor kick. You can make your own with dried basil, oregano, and thyme if needed!
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Breasts Stay Juicy?
To keep your chicken breasts juicy, there are a few important steps to follow. First, brining the chicken in salted water for 15-30 minutes can really help. It keeps the moisture in while cooking. Then, make sure to coat the chicken thoroughly with your marinade.
- Let the marinated chicken sit for 15-30 minutes before cooking. This helps the flavors penetrate and keeps it moist.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer! Cook in single layers to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Let your chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This lets the juices redistribute for a tender bite.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Breast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20-25 minutes total. You’ll need about 5 minutes to prep everything, 10 to 18 minutes to cook the chicken, and a quick 5-minute resting time after cooking. Simple and quick for a tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). This will take around 5 minutes. While your air fryer is warming up, you can prepare the marinade and chicken.
2. Make the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until everything is nicely mixed together. This mixture will coat the chicken and add delicious flavor!
3. Coat the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and place them in the bowl with the marinade. Make sure to coat each piece evenly so that the spices cover the chicken completely. This will help infuse it with flavor as it cooks.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Once your air fryer is preheated, place the marinated chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. It’s important not to overcrowd the basket so that the air can circulate properly. Cook the chicken for 10 minutes on one side.
5. Flip and Finish Cooking:
After 10 minutes, carefully flip the chicken breasts over and cook for another 5-8 minutes. You want to make sure the chicken is cooked all the way through, so check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Let It Rest:
Once done, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken more tender and juicy.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
If you like, garnish the chicken with some fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve it warm and enjoy your delicious air fryer chicken breast!
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken Instead?
While you can use bone-in chicken, keep in mind that it will take longer to cook. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You may need to adjust the cooking time to around 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
What if I Don’t Have Olive Oil?
Not a problem! You can substitute olive oil with any neutral oil like avocado oil or canola oil. You can also use melted butter for a richer flavor. Just use the same amount as the recipe calls for.
How to Store Leftover Chicken Breasts?
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm it in the air fryer or microwave until heated through.
Can I Make this Recipe Spicier?
Absolutely! If you love spice, consider adding cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust to taste. This will give your chicken a nice kick!
