Ninja Air Fryer Chicken Breast
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
18 mins
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Cook Time
12 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
2
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Calories
296 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Lunch, Dinner
Ninja Air Fryer Chicken Breast
Description
Ninja Air Fryer Chicken Breast begins with optionally brining boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a warm saltwater solution for 15 to 30 minutes to improve moisture retention and tenderness. After rinsing and patting dry, the chicken is brushed with melted butter or olive oil and coated with a seasoning mix of salt, smoked paprika, dried parsley, onion powder, and garlic powder.
The seasoned chicken breasts are cooked in an air fryer basket lightly brushed with high smoke point oil, avoiding aerosol sprays that can damage the basket. Air frying produces a crispy exterior with a juicy interior without added fat. The smoky paprika and herbs balance to flavor the mild chicken breast well.
Brining times longer than one hour are not recommended to avoid over-salting or undesired texture. The recipe suggests oils like avocado or sunflower for air fryer prep due to their high smoke points.
Ingredients
To make the Brining Solution
- 3-4 tablespoon table salt
- 4 cups water
To air fry the chicken breasts
- 2 chicken breast boneless and skinless
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon parsley dried
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon butter melted, or olive oil
Instructions
- Brine the chicken. First, check the label of your chicken breasts. If they have already been pre-brined in a sodium solution, please skip the next step. Fill a large bowl with 4 cups of warm water and add 3-4 tablespoons of salt. Stir to combine until most of the salt has been absorbed. Add the chicken breasts to the brining solution and let them sit in it to brine for 15-30 minutes. You can, also, brine them for a couple of hours (see notes). While the chicken is in the brine, prepare your air fryer and make the seasoning.
- Brush the air fryer basket with cooking oil, and do not use aerosol sprays (see notes).
- Prepare the seasoning by combining the salt, smoked paprika, dried parsley, onion powder, and garlic powder in a small bowl.
- Remove the chicken breasts from the brine, rinse them with cold water, then pat them dry with paper towels. Brush the chicken breasts on each side with olive oil or melted butter and top with the prepared seasoning.
- Place the seasoned chicken in the air fryer and air fry at 200°C (392°F) for a total of 12 minutes, making sure to flip each chicken breast mid-cooking. Use an internal read thermometer to check the chicken is cooked (it should show at least 165°F/ 74°C). If not cooked, air fry for a further 2-4 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and allow it to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Limit brining to between 15 minutes and 1 hour to prevent overly salty or mushy chicken.
- Use high smoke point oils like avocado, sunflower, or olive oil for air fryer basket preparation.
- Avoid aerosol sprays on the air fryer basket to prevent chipping and damage.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 2Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 296 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 296kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 2g | 1% |
| Protein | 48g | 96% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 0.03g | 2% |
| Cholesterol | 145mg | 48% |
| Sodium | 11334mg | 472% |
| Potassium | 877mg | 19% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 0.2g | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 561IU | 11% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 38mg | 4% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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