Juicy Air Fried Chicken Breasts

Hello, everyone!  Today, I’ve got a kitchen hack that’s an absolute game-changer – the key to making the the most tender and juicy air fried chicken breasts. As a mom juggling three tiny tornadoes under four I am always seeking recipes that are not only delicious but, let you cook with just one hand (perfect for those of us who have Velcro babies, 🙂 you know the kind that don’t want you to do anything else other than hold them)and demand zero babysitting by the stove. Let, me tell you they are hard to find!!! But guess what??? This recipe today nails all those requirements, and it’s no small accomplishment!

This isn’t just a recipe; it’s more like a tutorial that you can customize to suit your preferences

Equipment:

• A large bowl
• An air fryer

Ingredients:

• 4 Chicken Breasts
• 4 Tablespoons of Salt
• 4 Teaspoons of Sugar
• Enough water to cover the chicken breasts
• Any seasonings of your choice (I used pesto butter; check out my recipe here). Now you do not have to add anything else if you do not want to. You can have chicken that simply tastes like chicken. However, if you desire additional seasoning, I suggest adding it to enhance the flavor)

More Easy and Quick Recipes with Pesto butter

I like to always have some basil pesto butter at hand. So I make a big batch of it and leave in my freezer, for crazy days that you need to make something to eat super fast without compromising on flavor.

You can See my recipe for my make ahead and freeze basil pesto butter over here

You can also check out my Garlic and Herb Pork Tenderloin

and my Oven Baked Pesto Salmon

Method:

1. Add chicken breasts, salt, sugar, and chosen seasonings to the bowl.
2. Stir and cover with water, letting the chicken sit in the brine for 20 minutes (don’t exceed this time to avoid over-salting).
3. Pat the chicken dry. Remember that there need to add more salt. 
4. Air-fry the chicken breasts for approximately 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through
5. Then, in the last few minutes, spread pesto butter over it. Air fry until the butter melts, ensuring it covers the entire chicken breast. 
6. Check that the chicken is cooked through (best to use a meat thermometer for this. 

Substitutions and Variations:

 Feel free to get creative! Experiment with different herbs, spices, or marinades. You can add some spices/ herbs to your brine, like rosemary, paprika, bay leaves…. or you can add some after the brine. So go ahead and swap out the suggested seasonings. Make it yours and have fun in the kitchen!

Storage: 

If you somehow have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The chicken stays juicy for a day or two, making it ideal for quick salads, sandwiches, or wraps. Though, in my house, leftovers are a rare sighting!

How to Serve/Pairings: 

This chicken pairs perfectly with almost anything – from a simple green salad to roasted veggies or a bed of fluffy rice. Feeling fancy? Slice it and place it on quinoa or couscous. 

Troubleshooting/FAQ:

There you have it – a foolproof, mom-friendly recipe for tender and juicy air-fried chicken breasts. Customize it, savor it, and revel in a hassle-free, delightful meal that will have everyone begging for seconds!