Servings
Font
Back
0 from 0 votes

Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast

No more boring chicken breasts, this boneless air fryer chicken breast recipe will give you perfectly juicy chicken every time!

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Additional Time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 15 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 208 kcal
Course: Lunch , Dinner
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • kosher salt* (see notes)
  • 4 boneless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
  • Olive oil spray
  • 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/8 cayenne pepper

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Pound the thicker end of the chicken to make both sides leveled out so they cook evenly.
  2. Preheat the oven to 350F. Heat an oven safe or cast iron skillet over high heat for 5 minutes until it is very hot.
  3. Fill a large bowl with 6 cups of lukewarm water and add 1/4 cup Diamond Crystal kosher salt, stir to dissolve.
  4. Place the chicken on the hot skillet, and cook for 1 minute. Turn, and cook 1 minute on other side.
  5. Add the chicken breasts to the water and let them sit, refrigerated 1 to 1 1/2 hours to brine. Remove from water, pat dry with paper towels and discard the water.
  6. Transfer skillet to the oven and bake until no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 8 to 10 minutes. The safe minimum internal temperature for cooked chicken breast is 165°F (73.9°C) as measured with a food thermometer.
  7. In a small bowl combine 3/4 teaspoon salt, with the remaining spices. Spritz the chicken with oil and rub all over, then rub the spice mix over the chicken.
  8. Add the chicken to the air fryer basket and air fry in batches 380F 5 minutes on each side, 10 minutes total until browned on the outside and cooked through on the inside. See notes below for larger breasts.

Notes

  • How Long To Cook Chicken Breast in the Air Fryer
  • The amount of time it takes to cook chicken in an air fryer will vary based on the thickness and size of your chicken breasts. The internal temp for cooked chicken breast should be 165 degrees F.
  • *Be sure your salt is Kosher in this brine. I use Diamond Crystal kosher salt which has half the sodium are Mortons. Table salt will be too salty.
  • Small Breasts (5 to 6 ounces): 8 to 10 minutes
  • Medium Breasts (7 to 8 ounces): 10 to 12 minutes
  • Large Breasts (9 ounces or more): 12 to 14 minutes
  • Always flip the chicken breast halfway through cooking to ensure it cooks evenly.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1breast Calories 208kcal (10%) Carbohydrates 1g (0%) Protein 39g (78%) Fat 4.5g (7%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Cholesterol 124.5mg (42%) Sodium 77mg (3%) Fiber 0.5g (2%) Sugar 0.5g (1%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 208

% Daily Value*

Serving 1breast
Calories 208kcal 10%
Carbohydrates 1g 0%
Protein 39g 78%
Fat 4.5g 7%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Cholesterol 124.5mg 42%
Sodium 77mg 3%
Fiber 0.5g 2%
Sugar 0.5g 1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.