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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe with Garlic Herb Rub

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A quick and easy air fryer chicken breast recipe with a flavorful garlic herb rub that delivers a crispy exterior and juicy interior in under 25 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–8 ounces each)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Cooking spray (optional, for the air fryer basket)

Instructions

  1. Prep the chicken: Place chicken breasts on a cutting board. If uneven, pound to 1-inch thickness. Pat completely dry with paper towels.
  2. Make the garlic herb rub: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir until evenly mixed.
  3. Season the chicken: Drizzle olive oil over chicken and rub evenly. Sprinkle the garlic herb rub generously over all surfaces, massaging it in. Let sit for 5 minutes at room temperature.
  4. Preheat the air fryer: Set air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for 3 minutes.
  5. Arrange the chicken: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place chicken in a single layer, not touching.
  6. Cook the chicken: Air fry at 400°F for 6 minutes. Flip with tongs and cook for another 6-8 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. Rest the chicken: Remove from air fryer and let rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes.
  8. Slice and serve: Slice against the grain into strips or serve whole.

Notes

Pat the chicken completely dry for maximum crispiness. Let the seasoned chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before cooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness without overcooking. For thicker breasts, add 2-3 minutes cooking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken breast, crispy chicken, garlic herb rub, quick dinner, healthy chicken recipe