Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They're naturally more tender and forgiving than breasts, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs typically need about 12-15 minutes total in the air fryer, flipping halfway through.

Why is my chicken dry even though I followed the recipe?

The most common reason for dry chicken is overcooking. Every air fryer is different, so yours might run hotter than others. Next time, try checking the temperature earlier or reducing the cooking time by 1-2 minutes. Remember that chicken continues to cook a bit while resting.

Can I make this recipe without brown sugar?

Yes! You can omit the brown sugar entirely for a sugar-free version, or substitute with a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile. Some people also enjoy using coconut sugar as an alternative.

Do I need to flip the chicken halfway through cooking?

Flipping is recommended for the most even cooking. While some air fryers cook very evenly on both sides, most will give you better results if you take the time to flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process.

Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe

Name: Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced thin); 2 tablespoons brown sugar; ½ tablespoon ground paprika; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (store-bought or homemade); 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil

Description

This Air Fryer Chicken Breast recipe is a quick and healthy way to prepare juicy and flavorful chicken in just 20 minutes. Seasoned with a mix of spices and cooked to perfection in the air fryer, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. The result is tender, well-seasoned chicken breasts that can be served on their own or used in various dishes like salads, sandwiches, or wraps.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Chicken

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced thin)

Seasoning Mix

2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 tablespoon ground paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

For Coating & Cooking

2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

Preheat the air fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 370°F. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat setting, simply let it run at 370°F for about 5 minutes while you prepare the chicken.
Prepare the chicken:
If the chicken breasts are thick, slice them in half lengthwise to create thinner pieces. Alternatively, place the chicken breasts between parchment paper or plastic wrap and pound them using a meat mallet to achieve even thickness. This ensures even cooking.
Mix the seasoning:
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a spice rub.
Season the chicken:
Rub each chicken breast with olive oil to coat evenly. Then, sprinkle the seasoning mix over the chicken, ensuring every piece is thoroughly coated.
Prepare the air fryer basket:
Spray the air fryer basket lightly with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking.
Cook the chicken:
Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Cook for 8 minutes, then flip the chicken breasts over and cook for an additional 7-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Rest and serve:
Remove the chicken breasts from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a flavorful and juicy texture. Slice and serve as desired.

Notes

Use thinly sliced chicken breasts for even cooking and the most tender results. Thicker cuts may require longer cooking times.
Preheating the air fryer ensures the chicken begins cooking properly as soon as it is placed inside.
Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after cooking to maximize juiciness and flavor.
This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, salads, or as part of a sandwich or wrap.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approximately ½ pound)
Calories: 260
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 100mg