- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Prepare the Chicken Breasts:
- If the chicken breasts are thick, you may want to butterfly them to ensure even cooking. To butterfly, slice horizontally through the thickest part of the chicken breast, stopping about half an inch from the other side, and then open it like a book.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season them generously with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Lightly brush or spray both sides of the chicken breasts with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Cook the Chicken Breasts:
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching each other. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook the chicken breasts in batches.
- Air fry the chicken breasts at 360°F (182°C) for 18-22 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chicken breasts and the specific model of your air fryer.
- The chicken breasts are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat.
- Rest and Serve:
- Once the chicken breasts are cooked through, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier chicken.
- Serve the air-fried chicken breasts hot with your favorite sides or use them in salads, sandwiches, wraps, or other dishes.
Enjoy your perfectly cooked air fryer chicken breasts! Adjust the seasoning and cooking time according to your preference and the thickness of the chicken breasts.