Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels until they feel firm and surface moisture is removed.
Rub each chicken breast with olive oil, making sure to coat all sides evenly. This helps the seasonings adhere and promotes browning.
Sprinkle salt, black pepper, herbs/spices, and lemon zest generously over both sides of each chicken breast, pressing lightly to help the seasonings stick.
Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for about 3 minutes. This ensures an even cook and crispy exterior.
Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t overlapping or touching to allow proper air circulation.
Set the timer for 10-12 minutes and start cooking. During cooking, listen for a gentle sizzling sound and watch for a golden-brown crust forming.
Halfway through, open the air fryer and flip the chicken breasts with tongs to promote even browning.
Once the timer ends, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of a breast. The internal temperature should reach 75°C (165°F). If not, cook for an additional 2 minutes and check again.
Remove the chicken breasts from the air fryer and place on a plate. Cover loosely with foil and let rest for 5 minutes to retain juices.
Slice the rested chicken and serve immediately, enjoying the crispy exterior and juicy interior with your favorite sides.
