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Easy Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Breast with Garlic Herb Rub

crispy air fryer chicken breast - featured image

This easy crispy air fryer chicken breast with garlic herb rub is fast enough for a frantic Tuesday night but delicious enough to serve to guests. The crispy exterior, juicy interior, and fragrant garlic herb rub come together in under 25 minutes with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–8 ounces each), patted very dry with paper towels
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed between your fingers
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Pat the chicken breasts very dry with paper towels.
  3. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, crushed rosemary, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until evenly distributed.
  4. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken breasts and rub it all over, covering every surface.
  5. Sprinkle the garlic herb rub over both sides of the chicken, pressing gently to adhere.
  6. Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching.
  7. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes. Do not open the basket.
  8. Flip the chicken breasts using tongs and cook for another 5-8 minutes.
  9. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part; it should read 165°F (74°C). If not, cook in 1-minute increments and check again.
  10. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Pat the chicken very dry for maximum crispiness. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices. For variations, add cayenne for spice, lemon zest for brightness, or Parmesan for an extra-crispy crust.

Nutrition

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