Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that's bursting with flavor and ready in just 30 minutes? Look no further than this Air Fryer Blackened Chicken! Juicy, tender chicken breasts coated in a robust blackened seasoning will tantalize your taste buds and leave your family asking for seconds. Perfectly cooked in an air fryer, this recipe not only saves time but also delivers that crispy, smoky goodness you crave without the guilt. Dive into this quick and easy recipe that promises to impress at your next meal!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp blackened seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Remove chicken breasts from refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Pat chicken breasts completely dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the seasoning adhere better.
- Drizzle olive oil over chicken breasts, ensuring each piece is lightly and evenly coated.
- Generously sprinkle blackened seasoning on both sides of the chicken breasts, pressing the seasoning gently to help it stick to the meat.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-4 minutes to ensure proper cooking temperature.
- Arrange chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping for even cooking.
- Cook chicken for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking time to ensure even browning.
- Check internal temperature of chicken using a meat thermometer - it should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part to ensure it's fully cooked.
- Once cooked, remove chicken from air fryer and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon for added flavor.
Tips
- Room Temperature Chicken: Allow the chicken breasts to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before cooking. This helps them cook more evenly and prevents dryness.
- Pat Dry: Be sure to pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as it allows the seasoning to adhere better and helps achieve that perfect crust.
- Even Coating of Olive Oil: Drizzle olive oil generously over the chicken, ensuring each piece is lightly coated. This not only enhances flavor but also aids in achieving a crispy exterior.
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the blackened seasoning! Generously coat both sides of the chicken, pressing it into the meat for maximum flavor.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating your air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 375°F (190°C) ensures that your chicken starts cooking immediately, leading to better texture and flavor.
- Single Layer Cooking: Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. This ensures even cooking and browning.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked chicken, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Aim for 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the chicken.
- Let It Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite juicy and flavorful.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Serve your blackened chicken hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon to brighten up the dish and enhance its flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 105mg
