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Juicy sliced air fryer chicken breast on a white plate with a golden spice crust

Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Juicy, tender air fryer chicken breast coated in a simple brown sugar and paprika spice rub. Ready in 27 minutes and perfect for easy weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 17 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 85
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp paprika smoked paprika recommended
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.25 tsp onion powder
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 0.125 tsp black pepper
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts pounded to even thickness
  • 1 tsp olive oil extra virgin preferred

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Meat mallet or rolling pin
  • Meat thermometer
  • Small mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir or whisk until evenly mixed.
  2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Place them in a zip-top bag or between two sheets of parchment paper, then pound to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
  3. Rub the olive oil evenly over all sides of each breast, then press the spice mixture firmly onto both sides until fully coated.
  4. Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400 degrees F for 8 minutes. Flip and continue cooking for 5 to 12 more minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F at the thickest part.
  5. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain and serving.

Notes

Pound chicken to even thickness before cooking for the juiciest results. Always verify doneness with a meat thermometer. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.