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Easy Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe for Juicy Tender Results in 20 Minutes

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A quick and easy air fryer chicken breast recipe that delivers juicy, tender, and flavorful results in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–8 ounces / 170–225 grams each), patted dry
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or fine sea salt)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the brine: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup (240 ml) of water with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon sugar. Stir until dissolved. Submerge the chicken breasts in this brine and let them sit for 10-15 minutes.
  2. Remove the chicken from the brine and gently pat dry with paper towels.
  3. Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil over the chicken breasts. In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, and ½ teaspoon dried oregano. Rub this spice mix evenly onto both sides of each chicken breast.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it run empty for 3 minutes.
  5. Place chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 7 minutes, then flip using tongs and cook for another 7-8 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature; it should read 165°F (74°C). If it’s not quite there, add a minute or two more.
  6. Remove the chicken and let it rest on a plate, loosely covered with foil, for 5 minutes.
  7. Slice against the grain and serve.

Notes

Do not skip the quick brine step to keep chicken juicy. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket for even cooking. Let the chicken rest before slicing to redistribute juices. You can experiment with spices like cumin, chili powder, or fresh herbs for variety.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken breast, easy chicken recipe, quick chicken breast, juicy chicken breast, healthy chicken recipe, air fryer dinner, weeknight chicken

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