Air Fryer Best Chicken (Breast vs Thighs)

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs bone in chicken thighs or 1 lb breast (about 2 breasts)
• 1 tsp kosher salt, divided
• 1/4-1/2 tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp dried herbs, rosemary, thyme or herbs de province
• 1 tablespoon neutral oil, avocado, canola, or vegetable oil work well

*note can use baking powder on skin to make extra crispy. 1/4 tsp if using*

Directions FOR THIGHS:

1. In a large mixing bowl or tray, place chicken thighs meat side up. Sprinkle salt on the meat side of the chicken thighs and let sit for (at least) 5 minutes, 10-15 mins is best.
2. Combine all spices in a small bowl. Pour the spice mixture over the chicken thighs along with the oil in a bowl and mix to combine well. * if using baking powder turn the thighs skin side up and sprinkle a pinch of baking powder onto the skin side and rub it in until the baking powder is no longer visible.
3. Place skin side down in the air fryer tray and air fry at 400F for 6 minutes. (this is really only important if skin on chicken. Otherwise either side is fine) Flip each chicken thigh so skin side is up. Pat the skin dry with a paper towel. Air fry again for 8-10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and skin is golden crispy.

Directions FOR BREASTS:

1. Weigh the chicken breasts to get a total weigh in grams, then multiply that number by .015 to get the weight of kosher salt you need.
2. Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and sprinkle with the kosher salt you weighed evenly on both sides. Let sit for 10 minutes for the salt to absorb in the chicken breasts and the salt is no longer visible on the exterior of the chicken. Pat dry any excess moisture from the surface of the chicken breasts.
3. In a small bowl, combine pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, rosemary and thyme. Mix together then add the neutral oil to form a paste.
4. Evenly spread the spice mixture over the chicken breasts until they are fully coated. Place a thermometer into the center of the smaller chicken breast.
5. Place in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 8 minutes (chicken should register ~140°F). Flip and turn the heat to 400°F and cook for another 6 minutes until the chicken registers 155°F internal.
6. Remove and let rest on a plate and cover with foil for 5 minutes. The carryover heat will continue to cook the chicken and the thermometer should read at least 165°F