Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6-8 ounces/170-225 grams each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (5 ml)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (2.5 ml)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (2.5 ml)
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme (1.25 ml)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (1.25 ml)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (1.25 ml)
Instructions:
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This is crucial for browning!
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C) for 3 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking.
- Place chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping.
- Cook for 12-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast. Don't guess! This will help you understand how long to cook chicken.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.