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

Restaurant-Style Air Fryer Chicken

Learn how to make crispy, flavorful air fryer chicken at home that rivals your favorite restaurant dishes. This recipe is quick, healthy, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American

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
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
The Chicken
  • 2 teaspoons avocado oil
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts adjust spices by 1.5x if using 1.5 pounds

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. If you have two chicken breasts from a one-pound package, cut each into 3-4 thin pieces.
  2. Pat the chicken breasts dry if they are moist. 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's 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. For larger pieces, cook for up to 13 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
  4. The chicken should be crispy on the outside, flavorful, and juicy. Let it rest for a moment before slicing. Enjoy immediately; many people eat it directly from the air fryer.

Notes

This recipe is a simplified version of a favorite inspired by restaurant-style crispy chicken. It's designed for home cooks to easily achieve delicious results with an air fryer. Feel free to serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

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