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two air fryer chicken breasts on a black plate next to pasta and a salad.
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5 from 2 votes

Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Juicy, golden air fryer chicken breast seasoned with warm spices and cooked in just 12 minutes for a quick and flavorful main dish.
Prep Time1 hour
Cook Time12 minutes
Total Time1 hour 12 minutes
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free, Low Lactose
Keyword: air fryer chicken, air fryer chicken breast, air fryer chicken breasts, brine, brined chicken, chicken breast
Servings: 2 chicken breasts
Author: Paulina Zisk

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 (6 oz) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

For the Brine

  • 2 cups cold water
  • 1 ½ tablespoons kosher salt
  • ½ tablespoon garlic powder

For the Rub

  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ tablespoon olive oil
US - Metric

Instructions

  • Lightly pound the thick end of each chicken breast on a cutting board until the meat is an even thickness from end to end.
  • Brine the Chicken: In a medium bowl, stir water and kosher salt until the salt dissolves. Stir in garlic powder. Add the chicken, cover, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
  • Make the Rub: In a small bowl, mix together the onion powder, paprika, thyme, and black pepper. Set aside.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  • Remove the chicken from the brine, discard the liquid, and pat dry with paper towels.
  • Brush olive oil evenly over both sides of the chicken and generously coat both sides with the rub.
  • Place chicken in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Use a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the breast. If it reads 165°F (74°C), it’s ready. If not, cook for 2–3 more minutes.
    Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing so the juices can redistribute, keeping the meat moist and flavorful.

Notes

  • Brine for Best Results: Even a short 1-hour brine will make a noticeable difference in juiciness.
  • Size Matters: Small to medium breasts (5–6 oz.) take about 12 minutes. Larger pieces may need an extra 2–4 minutes.
  • Rest Before Slicing: Let the chicken sit for 5 minutes after cooking to retain juices.
  • Check Your Model: Air fryer cook times can vary, so test for doneness before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1chicken breast | Calories: 133kcal | Protein: 19g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 180mg | Potassium: 151mg | Vitamin A: 0.3IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 0.1mg

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