I’ve made plenty of air fryer chicken recipes, usually using chicken thighs because they’re naturally juicier than chicken breasts. But let me tell you—this recipe completely changed the way I see chicken breasts!
I’m so excited to share my secret to making a mouthwatering garlic butter spread for chicken breasts. The result? Incredibly juicy, flavorful chicken that you won’t believe is made in an air fryer. And here’s the twist—this isn’t your typical garlic butter. There’s one special step that takes the flavor to the next level, and I can’t wait to show you how!
So, are you ready? Let’s get cooking!
What you’ll need
- Chicken breast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Lemon zest
- ¼ tsp paprika powder
- ¼ tsp oregano
- ⅛ tsp salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Garlic Butter
- Whole garlic, peeled
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter, browned
- Parsley, handful
- Iced cubes
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade:
Cut slits on the chicken breast.
Mix olive oil, lemon zest, paprika powder, oregano, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
Marinate the chicken breast with the mixture.
2. Roast the Garlic:
Place whole peeled garlic in a ceramic bowl.
Drizzle with olive oil.
Roast in the oven until golden and soft.
Let the garlic cool down.
3. Prepare the Garlic Butter:
Brown the butter in a pan.
Transfer the browned butter to a whipping bowl with ice cubes underneath.
Add the roasted garlic to the bowl.
Start whipping, gradually increasing the speed and adding the olive oil used to roast the garlic.
Continue whipping until the mixture emulsifies.
4. Mix the Butter:
Mix the garlic butter with chopped parsley and spread on the chicken before air-frying
Reserve some for garnishing.
5. Air Fry the Chicken:
Place the chicken in the air fryer.
Air fry at 450°F for 20 minutes or until fully cooked and golden brown.
Tips On Making Juice Chicken Breast in The Air Fryer
- Place a foil or parchment paper underneath to catch the juice, keeping the chicken juicy during air frying. There’s no need to flip the chicken.
- When emulsifying the butter, gradually increase the speed to ensure proper fluffing. Softer garlic makes whipping easier.
- Slitting the chicken helps it marinate and cook better, reducing the risk of drying out from overcooking.
- Preheat your air fryer for even cooking.
- If you don’t have a ceramic bowl, you can wrap the garlic in foil and roast it in the oven. Make sure to cut both ends and wash the garlic well before roasting.
- The ice helps emulsify the butter quicker.
- Brown butter is liquid gold; it gives a nutty and complex flavor to your garlic butter.
