Let's delve into the realm of America's beloved lean protein: chicken breast. Bursting with muscle-fueling protein, while keeping fat levels in check, it also boasts a wealth of vital minerals such as niacin, selenium, and B vitamins.
Despite our adoration for chicken's nutritional perks, preparing chicken breast can sometimes resemble a culinary gamble. Whether it's on the grill, in the oven, or on the stove, there's always the risk of it turning into a dry, uninspiring dish. But fear not, for there exists a method to cook chicken breast while preserving its succulence—and it lies within the air fryer.
Consider the air fryer as your trusty ally in saving time and elevating flavors. It's efficient, budget-friendly, and, most importantly, it produces impeccably crispy yet juicy chicken breast without drowning it in oil. When you air fry, whether it's chicken wings, pizza, or cookies, the fryer circulates hot air around the food, resulting in delightful crispiness on the outside while sealing in all the flavorful juices within.
So, if you're accustomed to baking chicken breast in the oven, it's time to switch things up and embrace the air fryer. But don't just take our word for it—allow Chef Chris Nirschel of New York Catering Services to unveil his delectable air-fried chicken technique.
Are you ready to transform your chicken-cooking game? Delve into Chef Chris's expert tips below.
Ingredients
Chef Nirschel emphasizes that a quality marinade is the cornerstone of preparing moist chicken breast. His secret? A blend of Greek yogurt and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
"Before cooking, immerse your chicken in this delightful mixture," advises Nirschel. "The Greek yogurt and lemon combination not only imparts flavor but also ensures the chicken retains its moisture throughout the cooking process."
If you're keen to experiment with Nirschel's marinade, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup of Greek yogurt
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A spritz of olive oil spray (optional)
Marinate your chicken for 4 hours to overnight.
Next, it's time to imbue your chicken with rich flavor. For optimal results, Nirschel recommends doing this step four hours before cooking or ideally allowing them to marinate overnight.
Once you've gathered the aforementioned ingredients, "place the chicken breasts into a bowl or resealable bag," instructs Chef Nirschel. "In a separate bowl, combine the Greek yogurt with a generous squeeze of lemon juice. This citrus-infused marinade will impart a delightful kick to your chicken! Then, season the chicken with salt and pepper, and generously coat it with the tangy yogurt mixture."
Preheat your air fryer and prep the chicken.
Once your chicken has marinated for the desired duration, you're nearly set to begin air frying. However, first, you'll need to preheat the air fryer to approximately 375 degrees Fahrenheit, as "you'll want it nice and hot before introducing your chicken," advises Chef Nirschel.
Following this, he instructs to "remove your chicken from the marinade container and gently shake off any excess yogurt. For added crispiness, lightly mist the chicken with olive oil spray. It's akin to giving them a golden hue before they encounter the heat."
Air-fry your chicken breast for 10-15 minutes.
Now, it's time to commence cooking! "Arrange your chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, ensuring they have ample space," advises Nirschel.
"Next," he continues, "slide the basket into the air fryer and cook at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 10-15 minutes." "Remember to flip them halfway through to ensure uniform cooking," he adds.
Nirschel emphasizes, "Once they achieve a golden brown hue and are cooked through, employ a meat thermometer to confirm they've reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit."
Let it rest and enjoy.
And finally, the culminating step: savoring your air-fried masterpiece.
"Remove the chicken breast from the air fryer and allow them to rest for a few minutes," advises Nirschel. "This helps maintain the juiciness of the chicken breasts."
For a well-rounded meal, pair them with a grain of your choosing, such as quinoa, rice, or whole grain pasta, along with your favorite vegetables prepared to your preference. Voila! You've created the perfect air fryer chicken breast.