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Close-up of sliced restaurant-style air fryer chicken, perfectly seasoned and golden brown.

Restaurant-Style Air Fryer Chicken

Learn how to make crispy, flavorful air fryer chicken at home. This recipe is designed for home cooks who want to recreate restaurant-quality meals with the convenience of an air fryer.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

The Spices
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt Morton table salt recommended for fine coating
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
The Chicken
  • 2 teaspoons avocado oil
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts If using 1.5 pounds, increase spices by 1.5x

Equipment

  • Air fryer

Method
 

  1. Cut the chicken breasts into thin, flat pieces. Aim for pieces that are not bite-sized but resemble thin chicken cutlets. For example, if you have two chicken breasts, cut each into 3-4 thin pieces. Pat the chicken breasts dry if they are moist.
  2. In a bowl, toss the spices together until well mixed. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken pieces. Add the avocado oil and toss to coat the chicken thoroughly. You can let it rest briefly, but it is flavorful even when cooked immediately.
  3. Preheat your air fryer. Arrange the seasoned chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is space for air circulation. Air fry at 415 degrees F (213 degrees C) for 10 minutes. If your chicken pieces are larger, cook for up to 13 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
  4. Remove the chicken from the air fryer. Let it rest for a moment before slicing. Enjoy your crispy, flavorful, and juicy chicken.

Notes

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a delicious, restaurant-quality meal that is quick to prepare. You can serve this chicken as is, or slice it and add it to salads, wraps, or serve with your favorite sides.

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