Most of us probably became a part of the air fryer hype, especially while being locked down during the covid-19 pandemic. You’ve probably tried almost everything you could think of to put inside that machine, so this Easy Air Fryer Chicken Breasts recipe is another fabulous, fast meal.
We associate chicken breasts with healthy eating but most of us dread actually eating them because of their reputation for being dry. This chicken recipe is thick, juicy, and tender. You’re probably second-guessing and wondering how? Well, the brine and the quick cooking process of the air fryer will give you the juiciest chicken breasts you’ve eaten.
Incorporate the Air Fryer Chicken Breasts into a salad, pasta, rice, sandwich, wrap, or a side of veggies and you’re good to go.
P.S. if you’re an air fryer newbie, good job for investing. You’re gonna get hooked!
Easy Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
Ingredients
BRINE
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1/2 cup pickle juice or white vinegar
- 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt
CHICKEN
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt ONLY if using vinegar instead of pickle juice
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon parsley flakes
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, pickle brine, and salt. Add chicken and allow to marinate in the brine for 1-2 hours. Remove from mix and place on dish. Will continue to brine..
- While the chicken is brining, combine the seasonings together. Massage seasonings on to the chicken.
- Place chicken breasts in the air fryer basket and cook for 8 minutes at 360. Flip the chicken and cook for another 8 minutes. Check the internal temperature–if it is at 160, remove from air fryer and cover loosely to let cool, then slice and serve.
- These can be refrigerated or frozen.
Notes
- For Low Histamine Meal Plan, modify: disregard the brine and just add the salt when cooking
- The amount of time it takes to cook chicken in an air fryer will vary based on the size of your chicken breasts. You do need to flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure it cooks evenly.
- Small Breasts (5 to 7 ounces): 7 to 10 minutes
- Medium Breasts (8 to 10 ounces): 10 to 12 minutes
- Large Breasts (11 ounces or more): 12 to 16 minutes