Chicken breast in an air fryer

Step-by-step recipe

Step 1:

Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and pat dry with paper towels. Remove any excess fat and membranes. Fresh, moisture-free chicken breasts will produce juicy, air-fried chicken breasts.

Step 2:

Cut the chicken breast into serving pieces. Pound each piece on both sides to ensure even cooking and prevent the meat from drying out. This is an essential step for those who want to cook truly juicy chicken breast.

Step 3:

Season with salt, pepper, paprika, herbes de Provence, and other chicken seasonings to taste. Drizzle with vegetable oil—it will help create a light crust in the air fryer. Mix well with your hands to ensure each piece is evenly coated.

Step 4:

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes. This allows the spices to infuse the chicken breast and tenderize the meat.

Step 5:

Preheat the air fryer to 200°C—this is the optimal setting for quick and even cooking. Place the chicken in the basket in a single layer. Cooking time is 15–18 minutes. Be sure to turn the chicken breasts over after 8–10 minutes to ensure they brown on both sides.

Step 6:

Place the cooked chicken breast on a cutting board and let it rest for a while to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve hot as a standalone dish or with your favorite side dish.

Cooking tips

Don't overcook the chicken—even an extra 2–3 minutes can make the chicken dry. For added juiciness, add lemon juice or a little yogurt to the marinade. Use a minimal amount of oil in your air fryer—just enough for a crispy crust without excess fat. You can adjust the temperature and cooking time depending on the power of your air fryer—the main thing is to cook the chicken thoroughly.