Ingredients:

  • 4 medium Chicken Breast (approx. 6–7 oz each), boneless, skinless, trimmed
  • 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt (or fine sea salt)
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Dried Thyme or Oregano
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper

Instructions:

  1. Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts thoroughly dry using kitchen paper. If the breasts are very thick on one end, gently pound the thickest part until they are uniform in thickness (about 1 inch / 2.5 cm).
  2. Seasoning Coat: Drizzle the chicken breasts evenly with the olive oil.
  3. Mix the Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine all the House Seasoning Blend ingredients (Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and dried herbs).
  4. Apply and Rest: Thoroughly coat both sides of the chicken with the seasoning blend. Let the seasoned chicken rest on a plate for 15 minutes at room temperature while the air fryer preheats. This rest allows the salt to start tenderizing the protein.
  5. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for at least 5 minutes. A hot start is vital for achieving that desirable crust.
  6. Load the Basket: Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd; if necessary, cook in batches. Ensure there is visible space around each piece.
  7. Initial Cook: Cook for 6 minutes.
  8. Flip: Open the basket and flip the chicken breasts. Continue cooking for another 6–8 minutes.
  9. Check Internal Temperature: After 12 minutes of total cooking time, begin checking the internal temperature using an instant-read thermometer, inserted into the thickest part of the breast.
  10. Target Doneness: Remove the chicken immediately once the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Overcooking by even a few degrees will diminish the juiciness.
  11. Rest: Transfer the cooked chicken breasts to a cutting board or clean plate. Loosely tent them with foil and let them rest undisturbed for 5 minutes. This allows internal juices to redistribute, ensuring a truly moist result.
  12. Serve: Slice thinly or serve whole with your preferred sides.