Air Fryer Blackened Chicken Breast

Air Fryer Blackened Chicken Breast Quick and Easy! Get ready to add some zing to your dinner routine!

My latest culinary adventure brings you the Air Fryer Blackened Chicken Breast, a dish that’s not only bursting with bold flavors but also incredibly easy to make. 

Infused with a perfect blend of spices, this chicken recipe is blackened to perfection in the air fryer, offering a delightful combination of a crispy exterior and juicy interior.

Ideal for those who love a little heat and many flavors, this dish promises to be a new favorite in your meal rotation. Let’s turn up the heat and get cooking!

Air Fryer Blacked Chicken Breast Recipe

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this Air Fryer Blackened Chicken Breast recipe, which marries convenience with incredible flavor. Perfect for those who appreciate a kick of spice and the irresistible charm of well-seasoned chicken, this recipe is a testament to the wonders of air frying. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts encrusted with a robust blend of spices that form a delectably crispy exterior. Each bite is a delightful explosion of flavors, from smoky paprika to a hint of garlic, all harmoniously balanced to elevate the natural succulence of the chicken.

The beauty of using an air fryer for this dish lies in its ability to achieve that coveted blackened crust without the excess oil of traditional pan-searing. This method simplifies cooking and caters to a healthier lifestyle without compromising taste. The air fryer circulates hot air around the chicken, ensuring each piece cooks evenly and develops a perfect outer char, characteristic of the blackened technique. Whether you’re serving it up as a bold main course accompanied by a fresh salad, slicing it for a hearty wrap, or topping it over a bed of fragrant rice, this Air Fryer Blackened Chicken Breast recipe is versatile, satisfying, and sure to become a quick favorite in any culinary repertoire.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

You will love this Air Fryer Blackened Chicken Breast recipe for several compelling reasons:

• Flavorful and Spicy: The blend of spices used for blackening the chicken is not only aromatic but also provides a delicious, spicy kick that elevates the flavor of the chicken. Each bite is packed with a perfect balance of heat and savory notes.
• Healthy and Low-Fat: Cooking in an air fryer requires significantly less oil than traditional frying methods. This means you get to enjoy a dish that’s lower in fat and calories but rich in flavor.
• Crispy Texture: The air fryer creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender. You’ll love the contrast between the spicy, crunchy crust and the juicy chicken.
• Quick and Convenient: This recipe is a time-saver. The air fryer significantly reduces cooking time, making it an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a hassle-free meal prep option.

If you love a great and flavorful chicken recipe, try some of my favorites, such as Air Fryer Chicken Peto Chicken Tenders, air fryer chicken salad recipe, or even air fryer boneless, skinless chicken breast.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Blacked Chicken Breast

Embark on a culinary journey filled with bold flavors with this Air Fryer Blackened Chicken Breast recipe. Each ingredient is carefully selected to contribute to the rich, spicy profile of the dish, ensuring a delicious experience that is both healthy and satisfying.

​Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.​

• Chicken Breasts: The star of the dish, chicken breasts provide a lean, protein-rich canvas perfect for absorbing the vibrant seasoning mix.
• Paprika: This vibrant spice forms the base of the blackening seasoning, offering a smoky flavor with a hint of sweetness.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, aromatic depth to the seasoning blend, enhancing the savory notes of the chicken.
• Onion Powder: Complements the garlic powder, contributing a mild, slightly sweet onion flavor that enriches the overall taste profile.
• Dried Thyme: Offers a hint of herby and earthy tones, adding complexity to the spice blend.
• Cayenne Pepper: Brings a spicy kick to the chicken, essential for that characteristic blackened heat. Adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.
• Kosher Salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the seasoning mix and the natural taste of the chicken.
• Black Pepper: Adds a sharp, piquant flavor, balancing out the richness and heat of other spices.
• Olive Oil or Cooking Spray: Used for lightly coating the chicken breasts to help the seasoning adhere and to achieve a crispy texture in the air fryer.
• Lemon Wedges (optional for serving): Fresh lemon juice can brighten the dish, adding a zesty, fresh contrast to the spicy flavors.
• Dipping Sauce: Serve with your favorite dipping sauce. 

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect Air Fryer Blackened Chicken Breast, resulting in a dish that is easy to prepare and bursting with delicious flavors and textures.

How To Make Air Fryer Blackened Chicken Breast

Creating a delicious, spicy, easy-blackened chicken recipe in the air fryer is simple and satisfying. Here’s how you can make it:

Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps the seasoning stick better and ensures a crispier finish.

Mix the Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create your blackening seasoning.

Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil or spray them lightly with cooking spray. Then, generously coat each breast with the blackening seasoning, pressing the spices into the meat to adhere well, including the sides of the chicken. 

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F (190°C) for 4-5 minutes.  This helps to start the cooking process immediately and ensures even cooking.

Cook the Chicken: Place chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding for even cooking. Set cook time for 15-18 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken and your air fryer model.

Check for Doneness: The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer or instant-read thermometer to ensure it’s cooked through.

Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat. Serve hot, with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh flavor, if desired.

Enjoy your Air Fryer Blackened Chicken Breast as a tasty, spicy main course that’s quick and easy to prepare but packed with flavor. It’s perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or a flavorful meal prep option!

Pro Tips

• Even Thickness: Pound the chicken breasts to even thickness before seasoning. This ensures they cook uniformly, preventing thinner parts from drying out while thicker parts are still cooking. Thicker chicken breasts will take longer than thinner chicken breasts or chicken tenderloins. 
• Generous Seasoning: Don’t be shy with the blackening spices. A generous coat will give you that robust flavor and the characteristic blackened crust.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer. This ensures the chicken starts cooking immediately, helping seal the juices and develop a crispy exterior.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary, depending on the size of your air fryer. Overcrowding the air fryer basket prevents the air from circulating properly, leading to uneven cooking.
• Oil Lightly: A brush on the chicken can help the spices stick and achieve a crispier texture. You can use avocado oil, olive oil, or coconut oil. 
• Internal Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This guarantees the chicken is cooked through but still juicy. Test the thickest part of the chicken with your meat thermometer. 
• Let it Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and tender chicken breast.
• Serving Suggestions: Consider serving with a cooling side, like a yogurt-based dip or cucumber salad, to balance the heat of the blackening spices.
• Adjusting Spice Rub: Tailor the spice mix to your taste. If you prefer less heat, reduce the cayenne pepper and use white pepper or chili powder.  Experiment with additional herbs and spices like oregano or thyme for more complexity. Experiment with additional herbs and spices like oregano or thyme for more complexity.
• Clean the Air Fryer Immediately: The spices from blackening can stick to the basket and heating element. Clean the air fryer soon after cooking to prevent residue buildup and ensure longevity.

What To Serve With Blacked Chicken

The chicken is the star of the show here, so you want side dishes that won’t overpower its flavor but will complement it nicely. This is a versatile dish that can be part of your delicious meal in several ways; some suggestions are:

• Mashed potatoes: The creamy, comforting potatoes are a perfect neutral canvas for the bold, smoky chicken. A little gravy on the side for drizzling is all you need.
• Braised greens: Hearty greens like kale, collard greens, or mustard greens hold up well to the strong flavor of seasoned chicken. Their slight bitterness provides a nice contrast to the spicy chicken.
• Grilled vegetables: Colorful grilled veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus, and mushrooms provide a lighter, brighter side. The high-heat cooking method gives them a hint of smokiness that connects to the blackened seasoning on the chicken.
• Salad: Serve alongside a fresh salad, or dice your blacked chicken breast into a traditional Caesar Salad.

What is blackened chicken? Blackened chicken is a cooking technique where chicken breasts are coated in a mixture of spices and then cooked to produce a charred appearance on the outside while remaining tender inside.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely! Chicken thighs can be used for this recipe. Adjust the cooking time, as thighs might take longer than breasts.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out in the air fryer? Ensure your chicken is not overcooked by using a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The ideal internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C). Also, letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking helps retain its juices.

Can I make this recipe without an air fryer? Yes, you can. Although this recipe is optimized for an air fryer, you can use a regular oven, cast iron pan, or a stovetop skillet, adjusting the cooking time and temperature accordingly. 

Is it necessary to flip the chicken during air frying? Yes, flipping the chicken halfway through cooking ensures even cooking and browning on both sides.

How spicy is blackened chicken? Can I make it less spicy? The spiciness level depends on the amount of cayenne pepper or other spicy elements in your seasoning mix. To make it less spicy, reduce or omit these spicy ingredients.

What are the best spices for blackening chicken? Common spices include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. You can adjust these to suit your taste preferences.

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