In a shallow bowl, combine smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, chili powder, oregano, and thyme. Stir the spices until they are well mixed.
Cut the chicken breast into evenly sized strips. Coat each strip in the spice blend, pressing lightly to help the seasoning stick. Alternatively, place the chicken and spices in a large freezer bag and shake until the strips are covered.
Heat vegetable oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken strips in a single layer, leaving space between each piece. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes on each side until the crust is dark and the chicken reaches 165 degrees inside.
Transfer the cooked strips to a wire rack to keep them crisp on the bottom.
Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees. Lightly spray the seasoned chicken with cooking spray, then arrange the strips in the basket in a single layer. Cook for 5 minutes, flip the strips, then cook for another 4 minutes. If the strips are larger, they may need an extra 2 to 3 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Place the seasoned chicken on an ungreased baking sheet and drizzle with oil. Bake for 20 minutes, adding 5 extra minutes for larger pieces.
