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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Breasts

This dish features chicken breasts cooked in an air fryer to achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy and tender inside. The key techniques involve seasoning, drying, and air frying, resulting in a beautifully golden, flavorful finish. It’s a quick, reliable recipe that’s highly customizable with herbs and spices for any season or preference.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces chicken breasts skinless, boneless
  • 1 teaspoon paprika smoked or sweet
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or spray optional for better crispiness
  • 1 lemon lemon (optional) for serving, optional

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Meat thermometer
  • Bowl for spice rub
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels until they feel firm and the surface looks matte, removing excess moisture for optimal crisping.
  2. Mix together paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to create your spice rub.
  3. Rub the spice blend all over each chicken breast, ensuring an even coating on all sides. This helps maximize flavor and crispiness.
  4. Lightly spray or brush the chicken with olive oil to help the spices adhere and promote browning.
  5. Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for about 3 minutes until hot and ready.
  6. Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t touching to allow proper air circulation and even crisping.
  7. Cook the chicken for 9 minutes, then flip each piece carefully with tongs to ensure even cooking and browning.
  8. Continue cooking for an additional 9-11 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F) and the exterior is golden and crispy.
  9. Remove the chicken breasts from the air fryer and let them rest on a plate for 5 minutes, which helps retain their juices.
  10. If desired, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken for a bright, zesty finish.
  11. Slice and serve the crispy chicken breasts hot, accompanied by your favorite sides or salads.

Notes

Ensure the chicken is dried thoroughly before seasoning for the crispiest results. Avoid overcrowding the basket to allow proper air circulation. Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness every time.