Ingredients:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6-8 oz each)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 cups water (for brine, optional)
  • 2 tablespoons salt (for brine, optional)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (for brine, optional)

Instructions:

  1. (Optional: Brine the Chicken): Combine water, salt, and sugar in a container. Submerge chicken breasts in the brine for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
  2. (Preheat the Air Fryer): Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
  3. (Prepare the Chicken): Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels (very important!). In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  4. (Season the Chicken): Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
  5. (Air Fry the Chicken): Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping.
  6. (Cook the Chicken): Air fry for 10 minutes, then flip the chicken breasts.
  7. (Continue Cooking): Continue air frying for another 5-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) as measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken.
  8. (Rest the Chicken): Remove the chicken breasts from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.