Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Ingredients

• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 8 oz each)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 3/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp brown sugar (optional, for color)

Instructions

1. 1

   Pat chicken breasts very dry with paper towels — moisture is the enemy of crispy skin.

2. 2

   Pound thicker ends with a meat mallet so each breast is an even 3/4-inch thickness; this is the trick to juicy, evenly cooked chicken.

3. 3

   Rub each breast all over with olive oil. In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and brown sugar.

4. 4

   Coat both sides of the chicken generously with the seasoning blend, pressing it in so it sticks.

5. 5

   Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes.

6. 6

   Place chicken in a single layer (don't overlap). Cook 6 minutes, flip, then cook 6–7 more minutes until internal temperature reads 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer.

7. 7

   Transfer to a plate, tent loosely with foil, and rest 5 minutes before slicing — this lets the juices redistribute so every bite is moist.

8. 8

   Slice against the grain and serve warm.