- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures that the chicken starts cooking immediately on a hot surface, which helps to seal in the juices.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the oil and seasonings stick better and promotes a crispy exterior.
- Rub each chicken breast with olive oil, ensuring all sides are coated.
- 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.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them for air circulation.
- Cook for about 10 minutes, then flip the chicken breasts over and cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Rest the Chicken:
- Once cooked, let the chicken breasts rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring your chicken is moist and flavorful.
- Serve:
- Slice the chicken breasts and serve with your choice of sides. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips for Success:
- Thickness of Chicken: If your chicken breasts are very thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness for more uniform cooking.
- No Overcrowding: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Air circulation is key to achieving a crispy exterior.
- Checking Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cooking times may vary based on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts.
- Customization: Feel free to customize the seasoning based on your preferences. You can add dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano, or spice it up with some chili powder or cayenne pepper.
Enjoy your perfectly cooked air fryer chicken breast, a simple and versatile protein that can be paired with virtually any side dish for a quick and nutritious meal!