Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Herb Chicken Breast

This Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Herb Chicken Breast is juicy on the inside, perfectly seasoned, and golden on the outside. It’s an easy, healthy meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 16–20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–8 oz each)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If they are very thick, pound them to an even thickness (about ¾ inch) for even cooking.
3. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
4. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
5. Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each piece.
6. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, then flip the chicken and cook for another 8–10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
8. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Optional Variations

• Parmesan Garlic: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan over the chicken during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
• Spicy Herb: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
• Lemon Herb: Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest to the seasoning mixture.
• Honey Garlic: Brush with 1 tablespoon honey mixed with 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard during the last 2 minutes of cooking.

Serving Suggestions

• Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
• Steamed broccoli or green beans
• Caesar salad
• Roasted asparagus
• Rice or quinoa
• Garlic butter mushrooms

Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.
• Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) without overcooking.
• For extra crispiness, lightly spray the chicken with cooking oil before air frying.

This Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Herb Chicken Breast is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep, or slicing over salads, pasta, or wraps. Enjoy it fresh and juicy with your favorite sides!