Prepare the Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of cling film or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or a heavy rolling pin, gently pound the thicker parts of the chicken until each breast is about 2.5 cm (1 inch) thick and has a relatively even thickness throughout. This ensures even cooking and helps maintain juiciness.

Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, black pepper, sea salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Drizzle the olive oil over both sides of the pounded chicken breasts, then sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over them, gently rubbing it in to adhere. Your kitchen will start to fill with a lovely herby, smoky aroma.

Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for 5 minutes. This is a crucial step that ensures the air fryer is at the optimal temperature to crisp the exterior of the chicken quickly, locking in moisture. You might hear a gentle hum as it warms up.

Arrange in the Air Fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with a little cooking oil. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of air frying, which we definitely want to avoid!

Initial Cooking: Cook the chicken breasts for 9-11 minutes on one side. After this time, the edges should start to look opaque and lightly golden. You might hear a gentle sizzling sound, indicating the chicken is beginning to brown beautifully.

Flip and Finish: Carefully flip each chicken breast using tongs. Continue to cook for another 9-11 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) when checked with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part. The chicken should have a beautiful golden-brown crust, feel firm to the touch, and emit a wonderfully savoury aroma. There should be no pink visible inside when you cut into it slightly.

Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the air fryer and transfer them to a clean plate or cutting board. Loosely tent them with foil and let them rest for at least 5-10 minutes. This resting period is vital, allowing the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring maximum tenderness and juiciness. When you slice into it, you'll see how moist and succulent it is.

Serve: Slice the rested chicken breasts against the grain, if desired, or serve them whole. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an added burst of freshness.