Description
This crispy air fryer chicken breast with garlic herb rub is quick, easy, and delivers a shatter-crunch crust with juicy, tender meat. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (Diamond Crystal recommended)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–8 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, crushed rosemary, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and kosher salt. Whisk together.
- Drizzle olive oil over both sides of the chicken breasts and rub in evenly.
- Sprinkle the garlic herb rub generously over both sides of each chicken breast, pressing gently to adhere. Let sit for 5 minutes at room temperature.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
- Place chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching.
- Cook for 10 minutes. Do not open the basket.
- Flip the chicken using tongs and cook for another 6-10 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
- Transfer chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Slice against the grain into thick strips. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
Pat chicken very dry for crispiest crust. Do not overcrowd the basket. Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness. Let rub sit for 5 minutes before cooking for best flavor. Rest chicken 5 minutes after cooking to retain juices. For thicker breasts (over 1 inch), butterfly or pound to even thickness. Rub can be made ahead and stored in airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 310
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 43
Keywords: air fryer chicken breast, crispy chicken, garlic herb rub, quick chicken recipe, healthy chicken, gluten-free chicken, low-carb chicken