1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the seasonings stick better and promotes a crispy exterior.
- Rub each chicken breast with olive oil. This not only helps the seasoning adhere to the chicken but also prevents it from sticking to the air fryer basket.
2. Season the Chicken:
- In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Sprinkle this seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. Feel free to add any other herbs or spices you prefer at this stage.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating helps achieve a more even cook and a better sear on the chicken.
4. Cook the Chicken:
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they’re not touching to allow for proper air circulation.
- Cook for about 9-12 minutes, then flip the chicken breasts over and cook for another 9-12 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken breasts. Chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) as measured with a meat thermometer.
5. Rest the Chicken:
- Once cooked, let the chicken breasts rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring your chicken is juicy and flavorful.
6. Serve:
- Slice the chicken breasts against the grain and serve with your favorite sides, salads, or vegetables.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Breasts:
- Thickness Matters: If your chicken breasts are very thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness for more uniform cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which can lead to uneven cooking.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness without having to cut into the meat and potentially dry it out.
Enjoy your perfectly cooked air fryer chicken breasts as a healthy and versatile protein option for salads, sandwiches, or main dishes.