Air Fryer Chicken Breasts with Garlic, Paprika, and Herbs Recipe
Introduction
Air fryer chicken breasts are a quick and healthy way to enjoy juicy, flavorful chicken with minimal effort. This recipe uses simple spices to create a delicious, tender meal perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- ½ tbsp rapeseed oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 ½ tsp garlic granules
- 1 tsp smoked sweet paprika
- 2 tsp mixed herbs
- ½ tsp pepper
- Steamed rice and greens such as broccoli, green beans, or a green salad, to serve (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Coat the chicken breasts evenly with rapeseed oil and set them aside.
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix together the salt, garlic granules, smoked paprika, mixed herbs, and pepper.
- Step 3: Spread the seasoning mixture onto a plate. Roll each oiled chicken breast in the seasoning, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Step 4: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Step 5: Cook the chicken at 180°C (356°F) for 18-20 minutes, turning them over after 10 minutes for even cooking.
- Step 6: Check for doneness by piercing the thickest part of the chicken; the juices should run clear. Alternatively, use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature has reached 70°C (158°F).
- Step 7: Serve the chicken breasts hot with steamed rice and your choice of greens or a fresh salad.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the oil and spices for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Try substituting rapeseed oil with olive oil for a different taste profile.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving to brighten the flavors.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead for a juicier result.
Storage
Store leftover chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or microwave until warmed through. Avoid overcooking when reheating to maintain tenderness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I freeze the cooked chicken breasts?
Yes, cooked chicken breasts can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in foil or place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What if my air fryer is smaller and can’t fit all the chicken at once?
Cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. This ensures even cooking and crispy edges. Keep the cooked batches warm in a low oven while finishing the rest.
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Air Fryer Chicken Breasts with Garlic, Paprika, and Herbs Recipe
- Total Time: 28-30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This simple and flavorful air fryer chicken breasts recipe offers a quick and healthy way to prepare juicy and tender chicken with a smoky and herby seasoning. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it pairs beautifully with steamed rice and fresh greens or a crisp salad.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts
- ½ tbsp rapeseed oil
Seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 ½ tsp garlic granules
- 1 tsp smoked sweet paprika
- 2 tsp mixed herbs
- ½ tsp black pepper
To Serve (Optional)
- Steamed rice
- Greens such as broccoli, green beans, or a green salad
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Coat the chicken breasts in rapeseed oil evenly to ensure the seasoning adheres well. Set the oiled chicken aside briefly.
- Mix the seasoning: In a bowl, combine salt, garlic granules, smoked sweet paprika, mixed herbs, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir thoroughly to create a well-balanced seasoning mixture.
- Season the chicken: Scatter the seasoning mix onto a plate, then roll each oiled chicken breast in it to coat all sides thoroughly with the flavorful herb and spice blend.
- Air fry the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 180°C (356°F) for 18-20 minutes, turning the chicken over after 10 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Check for doneness: To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, pierce the thickest part with a knife and check that the juices run clear. Alternatively, use a food thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 70°C (158°F).
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and serve immediately with steamed rice and your choice of greens such as broccoli, green beans, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
- Adjust seasoning quantities based on personal preference for salt and spice levels.
- Cooking time may vary slightly depending on chicken breast size and air fryer model.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee safe cooking and optimal juiciness.
- This recipe is easily adaptable to other lean meats or plant-based substitutes with adjusted cooking times.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: air fryer chicken breasts, easy chicken recipe, healthy chicken, air frying, quick dinner, chicken and rice, herb seasoned chicken
