Air Fryer Grilled Chicken is a quick and easy way to enjoy juicy, flavorful chicken with minimal effort. Perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection, this recipe is great for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or a healthy protein-packed meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy – Ready in under 20 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Juicy and Flavorful – The air fryer locks in moisture while crisping the outside.
- Healthy and Protein-Packed – A great lean protein option for any meal.
- Versatile – Perfect for salads, wraps, bowls, or as a main dish.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Lemon juice (optional, for extra flavor)
Directions
- Preheat Air Fryer – Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Chicken – Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel and coat evenly with olive oil.
- Season – In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning mix onto the chicken.
- Air Fry – Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Rest and Serve – Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Drizzle with lemon juice if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 16-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version – Add cayenne pepper or chili powder for a kick.
- Herb Infused – Use fresh rosemary, thyme, or basil for an aromatic touch.
- Citrus Flavor – Marinate in lemon or lime juice before cooking.
- BBQ Style – Brush with barbecue sauce in the last few minutes of cooking.
- Garlic Butter Finish – Drizzle with melted garlic butter before serving.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating – Warm in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds.
- Freezing – Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes! Adjust the cooking time to 22-25 minutes for bone-in pieces.
Do I need to flip the chicken?
Yes, flipping halfway ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior.
Can I marinate the chicken?
Absolutely! Marinate for at least 30 minutes for extra flavor.
How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
Avoid overcooking and let the chicken rest before slicing to retain juices.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! Increase the cooking time to 20-25 minutes and check for doneness.
What can I serve with air fryer chicken?
Pair it with roasted vegetables, rice, salad, or mashed potatoes.
Can I cook multiple pieces at once?
Yes, but don’t overcrowd the air fryer. Cook in batches if needed.
What other seasonings can I use?
Try taco seasoning, Cajun spice, or lemon-pepper for different flavors.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally dairy-free.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Conclusion
Air Fryer Grilled Chicken is an easy, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy perfectly cooked chicken in no time. With its crispy outside and juicy inside, it’s a versatile dish that pairs well with any meal. Try it today for a hassle-free dinner!
PrintAir Fryer Grilled Chicken
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2–4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Air Fryer Grilled Chicken is juicy, tender, and packed with smoky flavor! It’s an easy and healthy way to enjoy grilled-style chicken in under 20 minutes—perfect for meal prep, salads, or sandwiches.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 chicken thighs)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or dried oregano)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for freshness)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer – Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes.
- Prepare the chicken – Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. In a bowl, mix olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and chili powder. Rub this mixture all over the chicken.
- Air fry the chicken – Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8 minutes, then flip and cook for another 6-8 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Rest & serve – Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite sides like roasted veggies, rice, or salad!
Notes
- Thicker chicken breasts? Pound them to an even thickness for even cooking.
- Want extra flavor? Marinate the chicken in the spice mix with olive oil & lemon juice for 30 minutes to 24 hours.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.
Nutrition
- Calories: ~220
- Sugar: ~0g
- Sodium: ~450mg
- Fat: ~9g
- Saturated Fat: ~2g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~1g
- Fiber: ~0.5g
- Protein: ~30g
- Cholesterol: ~90mg
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *