Description
This recipe delivers juicy, tender, and flavorful chicken breasts using a quick brine and air fryer cooking method that prevents dryness and ensures perfect results every time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–8 ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon fine sea salt or kosher salt
- 2 cups cold water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Pinch of dried thyme or oregano
Instructions
- Step: Prepare the brine by dissolving 1 tablespoon of salt in 2 cups (475ml) of cold water. Stir until fully dissolved.
- Step: Submerge the chicken breasts in the brine and let them sit for 15-20 minutes at room temperature.
- Step: Remove the chicken breasts from the brine and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- Step: Lightly brush both sides of each chicken breast with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- Step: Mix black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried herbs in a small bowl, then sprinkle evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts and rub the seasoning in gently.
- Step: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Step: Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overlapping.
- Step: Cook for 9 minutes, then flip the chicken breasts using tongs.
- Step: Continue cooking for another 7-8 minutes, for a total of about 16-17 minutes depending on thickness.
- Step: Check doneness with an instant-read thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If not, cook for another 1-2 minutes and check again.
- Step: Transfer the chicken breasts to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Brining is essential for juicy chicken; do not skip. Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure good browning. Preheat the air fryer for even cooking. Flip chicken halfway through cooking. Let chicken rest after cooking to redistribute juices. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed. Use a light spray of oil on the basket if sticking occurs.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 43 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: air fryer chicken breast, juicy chicken breast, never dry chicken, quick chicken recipe, healthy chicken, easy dinner, air fryer recipe