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Light & Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Breast with Garlic Herb Rub

air fryer chicken breast with garlic herb rub - featured image
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This air fryer chicken breast recipe features a fragrant garlic herb rub that creates an incredible crust while locking in moisture. Quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers juicy, flavorful chicken in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–8 ounces each)
  • Olive oil spray or cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Prep the chicken (5 minutes): Place chicken breasts on a cutting board. If uneven in thickness, place between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound to an even thickness of about ¾ inch. Pat completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Make the garlic herb rub (3 minutes): In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, dried rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Mix until it forms a thick, fragrant paste. If too thick, add another teaspoon of olive oil.
  3. Apply the rub (5 minutes): Using your hands, rub the garlic herb mixture all over both chicken breasts, covering every surface. Let the chicken sit at room temperature for 10 minutes while preheating the air fryer.
  4. Preheat the air fryer (3 minutes): Set air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for 3 minutes. Spray the air fryer basket lightly with olive oil spray.
  5. Cook the chicken (12-15 minutes): Place chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 375°F for 6 minutes, then flip carefully using tongs. Cook for another 6-8 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C).
  6. Rest the chicken (5 minutes): Transfer chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  7. Slice and serve: Slice against the grain into ½-inch thick pieces. The exterior should be golden brown and crispy, the inside white, juicy, and tender.

Notes

Don’t skip drying the chicken—wet chicken steams instead of crisping. Use a meat thermometer for best results; cook to exactly 165°F. Let the rub sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. For best texture, serve within 15 minutes of cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken breast, garlic herb chicken, crispy chicken, healthy chicken recipe, quick chicken dinner, gluten-free chicken, low-carb chicken

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