Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, 6 to 8 oz each
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Lemon wedges and chopped parsley, for serving

Instructions

Follow each step in order. The directions below are written so a beginner can understand what to do, what to look for, and when to move on to the next step.

1. Step 1.Pat the chicken completely dry, then gently pound the thick ends so every breast has a mostly even thickness and cooks at the same rate.
2. Step 2.Mix salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and black pepper in a small bowl until the seasoning is evenly distributed.
3. Step 3.Preheat the air fryer to 375°F while rubbing the chicken with olive oil and coating all sides evenly with the prepared seasoning blend.
4. Step 4.Place the breasts in the basket smooth-side down with space between them, working in batches rather than overlapping or crowding pieces.
5. Step 5.Cook for 7 minutes, turn each breast with clean tongs, and continue cooking for another 5 to 9 minutes depending on thickness.
6. Step 6.Check the thickest section with an instant-read thermometer and remove each piece as soon as it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
7. Step 7.Rest the chicken on a clean plate for 5 minutes without cutting, allowing carryover heat and redistributed juices to keep the meat moist.
8. Step 8.Slice across the grain, spoon any resting juices over the meat, and serve with lemon and parsley while the seasoned crust is still warm.