Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, olive oil, and smoked paprika. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 2: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a large resealable bag. Pour about two-thirds of the maple glaze over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Reserve the remaining one-third of the glaze for basting. Marinate the chicken at room temperature for at least 15 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
Step 3: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Place the marinated chicken breasts in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd. You may need to cook in two batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
Step 5: Cook the chicken for 8-10 minutes, flipping each chicken breast halfway through the cooking time.
Step 6: After flipping, generously brush the chicken with some of the reserved maple glaze. Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. Keep an eye on the glaze during the last few minutes to prevent burning.
Step 7: Carefully remove the air fryer maple glazed chicken breast from the air fryer basket and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy and tender chicken.
Step 8: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of sesame seeds, if desired, and serve immediately with your favorite side dishes. Enjoy your perfectly cooked air fryer maple glazed chicken breast recipe!