Ingredients
– 1 ½ pounds (about 680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs
– 1 tablespoon olive oil or preferred cooking oil
– 1 ½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning
– 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
– ½ teaspoon kosher salt
– ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (regular paprika can be used as a substitute)
– ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning
– ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
– ¼ teaspoon dried parsley flakes
Instructions
1-Preheat a 5-quart air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
2-Cut the chicken into 1-inch (2.5 cm) bite-sized pieces and place them in a medium bowl for easy mixing.
3-Add olive oil and stir to coat all chicken pieces evenly, which helps the spices stick and promotes browning.
4-Add Cajun seasoning, granulated sugar, kosher salt, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), poultry seasoning, dried thyme, and dried parsley flakes; mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly with the spices for maximum flavor.
5-Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or a nonstick spray to prevent sticking and aid in crisping.
6-Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket; cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, which ensures each piece gets crispy.
7-Cook the chicken for 7 to 11 minutes, shaking or flipping the basket every few minutes to ensure even cooking and a golden finish.
8-The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C), guaranteeing it’s safe and juicy.
9-Serve immediately for the best texture and taste, perhaps with suggested dipping sauces like barbecue or honey mustard.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🌶️ Adjust the spice level to your preference by reducing or removing red pepper flakes and decreasing Cajun seasoning for a milder flavor
🍗 Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket – cook in batches to ensure each piece gets perfectly crispy and cooks evenly
🔄 Reheat leftovers in the oven with a splash of water or in a skillet with butter instead of the air fryer to maintain moisture and prevent dryness
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 466
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 986
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 3.5
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0.2
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 73
- Cholesterol: 165