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Air Fryer Chicken Breast

This dish features chicken breasts cooked in an air fryer to achieve a crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior. The process involves seasoning the chicken, preheating the appliance, and cooking until perfectly golden and cooked through, resulting in a flavorful, easy-to-prepare main course suitable for salads, tacos, or snacks.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces chicken breasts boneless, skinless
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil optional, helps crisp the skin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika smoked or sweet
  • Zest of 1 lemon lemon zest for brightness

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Meat thermometer
  • Tongs
  • Paper towels

Method
 

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) to ensure it's hot and ready for cooking.
  2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels; this step helps achieve a crispy exterior.
  3. Rub each chicken breast with olive oil, coating evenly to promote crispness.
  4. Sprinkle salt, pepper, paprika, and lemon zest all over the chicken, massaging the seasonings into the meat for full flavor coverage.
  5. Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring space between each piece for air circulation.
  6. Insert the basket into the air fryer and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through with tongs to promote even browning.
  7. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
  8. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices.
  9. Slice the chicken breasts and serve immediately, enjoying the crispy exterior and juicy interior that make this dish so satisfying.