Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels to remove all excess moisture. This is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. If your chicken breasts are very thick (over 1 inch), use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness of about ¾ inch. This ensures they cook evenly throughout.

Make the Seasoning Mix: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons onion powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon dried thyme. Mix well with a fork or whisk until all spices are evenly distributed in the oil to create a paste-like consistency.

Season the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the bowl with the seasoning mixture. Use your hands or a silicone brush to thoroughly coat each chicken breast on all sides, making sure every part is covered with the seasoned oil. Don't be shy—this is what makes the chicken so flavorful!

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 5 minutes. This step creates an initial sear that locks in moisture. While preheating, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.

Air Fry the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket, making sure they don't touch or overlap. Don't overcrowd the basket—cook in batches if necessary. Air fry for 10 minutes at 375°F.

Flip and Continue Cooking: After 10 minutes, use tongs to carefully flip each chicken breast. Continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches exactly 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast. Cooking time may vary based on thickness: thinner breasts (5-6 oz) may need only 15-18 minutes total, while larger ones (8-10 oz) might need the full 20 minutes.

Rest the Chicken: This is the secret to juicy chicken! Transfer the cooked chicken breasts to a clean cutting board and let them rest for 5 minutes. Do not skip this step—it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat instead of running out when you cut into it, resulting in much more tender and moist chicken.

Shred the Chicken: After resting, use two forks to pull the chicken apart into shreds. Hold one fork steady and use the other to pull the meat in the opposite direction. The chicken should shred easily into tender strands. For finer, more uniform shreds, you can place the chicken in a stand mixer bowl and use the paddle attachment on low speed for about 30 seconds. Serve immediately or store for meal prep!