Name: Air Fryer Bone-in Chicken Breast recipe
Ingredients: Bone-in, Skin-on Chicken Breasts: 2 (about 8-10 oz or 225-280g each). Bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts are crucial for achieving maximum juiciness and flavor in the air fryer. The bone helps to insulate the meat, keeping it moist, while the skin renders beautifully and crisps up to golden perfection. Look for chicken breasts that are relatively uniform in size for even cooking.; Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. Olive oil helps the seasonings adhere to the chicken, promotes browning and crisping, and adds a touch of richness. You can also use other cooking oils with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil.; Paprika (Sweet or Smoked): 1 tablespoon. Paprika adds a mild sweetness and vibrant color. Smoked paprika will impart a delicious smoky flavor that complements the chicken beautifully and enhances the “grilled” effect of the air fryer.; Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon. Garlic powder provides a savory, aromatic base flavor that complements the chicken without being overpowering.; Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon. Onion powder adds a subtle sweetness and savory depth, working in harmony with the garlic powder.; Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon. Dried thyme offers an earthy, slightly minty flavor that balances the richness of the chicken and adds a touch of herbaceousness.; Dried Rosemary: ½ teaspoon. Dried rosemary adds a piney, aromatic, and slightly peppery note that pairs wonderfully with chicken. Use it sparingly as rosemary flavor can be quite potent.; Salt: 1 ½ teaspoons, or to taste. Salt is essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken. Use kosher salt or sea salt for best results.; Black Pepper: 1 teaspoon, freshly ground, or to taste. Freshly ground black pepper adds a pungent and aromatic bite that complements the other seasonings.

Ingredients

- Bone-in, Skin-on Chicken Breasts: 2 (about 8-10 oz or 225-280g each). Bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts are crucial for achieving maximum juiciness and flavor in the air fryer. The bone helps to insulate the meat, keeping it moist, while the skin renders beautifully and crisps up to golden perfection. Look for chicken breasts that are relatively uniform in size for even cooking.

- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. Olive oil helps the seasonings adhere to the chicken, promotes browning and crisping, and adds a touch of richness. You can also use other cooking oils with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil.

- Paprika (Sweet or Smoked): 1 tablespoon. Paprika adds a mild sweetness and vibrant color. Smoked paprika will impart a delicious smoky flavor that complements the chicken beautifully and enhances the “grilled” effect of the air fryer.

- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon. Garlic powder provides a savory, aromatic base flavor that complements the chicken without being overpowering.

- Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon. Onion powder adds a subtle sweetness and savory depth, working in harmony with the garlic powder.

- Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon. Dried thyme offers an earthy, slightly minty flavor that balances the richness of the chicken and adds a touch of herbaceousness.

- Dried Rosemary: ½ teaspoon. Dried rosemary adds a piney, aromatic, and slightly peppery note that pairs wonderfully with chicken. Use it sparingly as rosemary flavor can be quite potent.

- Salt: 1 ½ teaspoons, or to taste. Salt is essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken. Use kosher salt or sea salt for best results.

- Black Pepper: 1 teaspoon, freshly ground, or to taste. Freshly ground black pepper adds a pungent and aromatic bite that complements the other seasonings.

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Breasts (Key to Flavor)

1. Pat Chicken Dry: Pat the chicken breasts thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving crispy skin. Excess moisture will steam the chicken instead of allowing it to crisp up in the air fryer.

1. Oil the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a seasoning paste.

1. Season Chicken Evenly: Rub the seasoning paste all over the chicken breasts, ensuring both sides and underneath the skin are well coated. Massage the seasoning into the chicken for even flavor distribution. Lift the skin gently and apply seasoning underneath as well for maximum flavor penetration and crispy skin.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer (Optimal Cooking Environment)

1. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. Preheating ensures the air fryer is at the optimal temperature when you add the chicken, promoting even cooking and crisping. Refer to your air fryer manufacturer’s instructions for preheating recommendations as some models preheat automatically.

Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken Breasts (The Magic Happens)

1. Place Chicken in Air Fryer Basket: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin-side up. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can impede air circulation and result in uneven cooking and less crispy skin. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook in batches.

1. Air Fry – Initial Cook: Air fry for 15 minutes at 380°F (190°C).

1. Flip and Continue Cooking: Flip the chicken breasts using tongs. Air fry for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork or meat thermometer at the thickest part. Cooking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts and your specific air fryer model.

1. Check for Doneness – Meat Thermometer is Key: The most accurate way to ensure the chicken is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast, avoiding the bone. The internal temperature should read 165°F (74°C). If the temperature is not yet reached, continue air frying for a few more minutes, checking the temperature every 2-3 minutes until done.

Step 4: Rest the Chicken (Juiciness Lock-In)

1. Rest Before Serving: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the air fryer basket and place it on a cutting board.

1. Resting Time: Let the chicken breasts rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a much juicier and more tender chicken breast. Do not skip this crucial step! Tent loosely with foil if desired to keep warm during resting.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Serve Hot: Serve the Air Fryer Bone-in Chicken Breasts immediately while they are hot and juicy.

1. Optional Garnish: Garnish with fresh parsley sprigs or lemon wedges for a touch of freshness and visual appeal.

1. Pair with Your Favorite Sides: Serve with your favorite side dishes (see “How to Serve” section for ideas).

Nutrition

Serving Size: one normal portion
Calories: 400-500
Sugar: 0-1g
Sodium: 500-700mg
Fat: 20-30g
Saturated Fat: 5-8g
Carbohydrates: 2-3g
Fiber: 0-1g
Protein: 50-60g
Cholesterol: 150-200mg