Description
This Ridiculously Good Air Fryer Chicken Breast recipe features thinly sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts coated in a flavorful blend of spices, brown sugar, and cornstarch, then air fried to a golden, juicy perfection. It’s a quick and easy dish perfect for everyday meals, delivering crisp edges and succulent texture with minimal effort.
Ingredients
The Spices
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt (Morton table salt preferred)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
The Chicken
- 2 teaspoons avocado oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (use 1.5 pounds and increase spices by 1.5x if using larger package)
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into thin pieces: Slice each chicken breast into thin, flat pieces—about 3-4 pieces per breast. Thin cutting ensures even cooking and maximum juiciness. Pat dry if the chicken is moist.
- Coat the chicken with spices: Mix all spices together in a bowl. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the chicken pieces, add the avocado oil, and toss well to coat thoroughly, using hands or tongs. You may let it rest briefly but can air fry immediately for excellent flavor.
- Air fry the chicken: Preheat the air fryer to 415°F (210°C). Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket with space around pieces for air circulation. Cook for 10 minutes; for larger pieces, increase time to about 13 minutes. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove from the air fryer and let rest for a moment. Slice and serve hot. The chicken should be crispy on the outside, juicy and full of flavor inside. Enjoy with your choice of dipping sauce, such as a house-made gochujang sauce.
Notes
- Use thinly sliced chicken for best results—this ensures quick cooking and juicy texture.
- If using more than 1 pound chicken, increase the amount of spices by 1.5 times accordingly.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to aid proper spice adherence and crispiness.
- Preheating the air fryer ensures even cooking and a nicely crisped exterior.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer for safety and perfect doneness (165°F/74°C).
- Try pairing the chicken with a spicy gochujang dipping sauce for an extra flavor kick.
