Air-Fryer Chicken Breast

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This air-fryer chicken breast recipe is sure to become your new favorite way to cook chicken! Brining helps the breasts stay moist while a simple combo of seasonings allows you to pair them with just about anything. Or slice and store them for later to add to a salad or sandwich.

Hilary Meyer

Updated on September 18, 2023

Reviewed by Dietitian

Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD

Tested by

EatingWell Test Kitchen

air fryer chicken breast — Photo: Jacob Fox

Active Time:

20 mins

Total Time:

2 hrs 45 mins

Servings:

Nutrition Profile:

Diabetes-Friendly Nut-Free Dairy-Free Soy-Free High-Protein Egg-Free Gluten-Free

Jump to Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

2 cups water
2 tablespoons kosher salt
2 - 3 fresh herb sprigs (such as rosemary, thyme and/or sage), plus chopped fresh herbs for garnish
1 clove garlic, smashed
2 (8 ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon ground pepper

Directions

Stir water, salt, herb sprigs and garlic together in a medium bowl; let stand until the salt is dissolved, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Place chicken in a shallow lidded container or a quart-size sealable plastic bag; pour the brine over the chicken. Cover or seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 12 hours.
Drain the chicken (discard the liquid) and pat dry. Sprinkle both sides of the chicken evenly with paprika, onion powder and pepper.
Preheat air fryer to 375°F. Place the chicken in the fryer basket; coat the chicken well with cooking spray. Cook until golden on 1 side, about 7 minutes. Flip the chicken and coat with cooking spray. Cook until a thermometer inserted into the thickest portion registers 165°F, about 7 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped herbs, if desired.

To make ahead

Brine chicken (Step 1) for up to 12 hours. Refrigerate cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Originally appeared: EatingWell.com, June 2022

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

139	Calories
3g	Fat
1g	Carbs
26g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size 3 oz.
Calories 139
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 1g	0%
Protein 26g	52%
Total Fat 3g	4%
Saturated Fat 1g	5%
Cholesterol 83mg	28%
Vitamin A 181IU	4%
Vitamin D 1IU	0%
Vitamin E 1mg	4%
Folate 11mcg	3%
Vitamin K 1mcg	1%
Sodium 412mg	18%
Calcium 9mg	1%
Iron 1mg	6%
Magnesium 33mg	8%
Potassium 393mg	8%
Zinc 1mg	9%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

Air-Fryer Chicken Breast

Ingredients

Directions

To make ahead

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

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