1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Pound Chicken: Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick. This ensures even cooking and helps the chicken stay juicy.
- Season Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, then coat evenly with the seasoning mixture.
2. Preheat Air Fryer:
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and develops a crispy exterior.
3. Cook the Chicken:
- Arrange Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Add Moisture: Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the air fryer basket. This helps to keep the chicken moist during cooking.
- Air Fry: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and has a golden-brown exterior.
4. Rest and Serve:
- Rest Chicken: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve with lemon wedges for a fresh, zesty touch. Enjoy with your favorite sides or slice it up for salads, sandwiches, or wraps.
Tips for Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast:
- Pound Evenly: Ensure the chicken breasts are pounded to an even thickness for uniform cooking and better texture.
- Season Well: Don’t skimp on seasoning; it adds flavor and helps with browning.
- Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to guarantee it is fully cooked.
- Add Moisture: Adding chicken broth to the bottom of the basket helps keep the chicken moist.
Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast is a go-to recipe for a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal. With the right preparation and cooking technique, you can enjoy perfectly cooked chicken breasts that are tender and full of flavor. Whether for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, this recipe is sure to impress!