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Quick Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Breast with Garlic Herb Rub

air fryer chicken breast - featured image

This quick crispy air fryer chicken breast with garlic herb rub delivers a golden, shatteringly crispy crust with a garlic herb punch, while the inside stays tender and juicy. No brine, no buttermilk soak, and ready in under 25 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (68 ounces each)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Olive oil spray (or avocado oil spray)

Instructions

  1. Prep the chicken: Place chicken breasts on a cutting board. If uneven, pound to about 1 inch thick. Pat completely dry with paper towels.
  2. Make the garlic herb rub: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, oregano, thyme, rosemary, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk with a fork.
  3. Apply the rub: Sprinkle rub evenly over both sides of each chicken breast. Press gently into the surface. Let sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes while air fryer preheats.
  4. Preheat the air fryer: Set to 380°F (193°C) and preheat for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Spray and arrange: Lightly spray both sides of seasoned chicken with olive oil spray. Place in air fryer basket in a single layer with space between pieces.
  6. Cook the chicken: Air fry at 380°F for 10 minutes. Flip using tongs, then cook for another 8-10 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
  7. Rest before slicing: Transfer chicken to a clean cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes.
  8. Slice and serve: Slice against the grain into strips or serve whole.

Notes

Patting the chicken completely dry before applying the rub is crucial for crispiness. Let the seasoned chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking to help the rub adhere. Use an instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking. If your air fryer runs hot, check the chicken a few minutes early.

Nutrition

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