This Air Fryer Grilled Chicken is juicy, flavorful, and super easy to make! It cooks quickly, so you can enjoy a tasty meal without much fuss.
Cooking it in the air fryer means less mess and clean-up. Plus, it’s a guilt-free way to get that grilled taste without standing outside in the heat! 😅
I love serving this chicken with a fresh salad or some roasted veggies for a quick dinner. It’s so simple, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. If you want, you can swap them for thighs for a juicier option or even use tofu for a plant-based version.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds flavor and helps the spices stick to the chicken. If you’re out, avocado oil or melted butter work well too. Just aim for something with a high smoke point.
Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and smoked paprika bring great flavor. If you like heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper is a nice addition. You can also mix up the herbs with rosemary or basil if you prefer.
Fresh Herbs: While optional, fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro add a nice touch at serving. You can skip them or use dried herbs if you don’t have fresh ones at hand.
How Can I Ensure My Chicken is Cooked Perfectly in the Air Fryer?
Getting perfectly cooked chicken can be tricky, but with the air fryer, it’s much easier! Here are some key tips:
- Make sure your chicken is evenly marinated; that’s where the flavor comes from! This step is crucial for juicy meat.
- Keep the chicken pieces spaced in the air fryer basket for even cooking. Overcrowding can make them steam instead of fry.
- Invest in a meat thermometer. Check the internal temperature at 165°F (75°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This keeps the juices inside, making your chicken tender and moist.
Easy Air Fryer Grilled Chicken Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (like parsley or cilantro) for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 5 minutes for prep and marinade and 15 minutes to cook, totaling around 20-30 minutes depending on marinating time. For the best flavor, consider letting the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but you can go up to overnight if you plan ahead!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 370°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps the chicken cook evenly and get that perfect texture.
2. Prepare the Marinade:
While the air fryer heats up, grab a medium bowl. Mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined.
3. Marinate the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and place them in a shallow dish or a zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated nicely. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let it sit in the fridge overnight for even more flavor!
4. Prepare for Cooking:
After marinating, take the chicken out of the dish or bag and let any extra marinade drip off. This avoids excess moisture and helps achieve that nice grilled finish.
5. Cook the Chicken:
Arrange the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they’re not overcrowded. Cook them for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time so they cook evenly. Check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C) when they are done.
6. Rest and Garnish:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully take it out of the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken juicy and tender. If you like, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro before serving.
Enjoy your easy and flavorful air fryer grilled chicken! It’s perfect for meal prep or a delicious family dinner.
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken Instead of Boneless?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken breasts, but cooking times will be longer. Increase the air frying time to about 18-22 minutes, checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety. You may also need to adjust the marinade time for better flavor penetration.
Can I Substitute Olive Oil with Another Oil?
Absolutely! If you don’t have olive oil on hand, you can use avocado oil, canola oil, or even melted coconut oil. Just keep in mind that different oils may impart slightly different flavors, so choose one that you enjoy!
How to Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or air fryer until heated through. If reheating in the air fryer, do it at a lower temperature (around 300°F or 150°C) for about 5-7 minutes to keep the chicken juicy.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade a day in advance! Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it. This can also help the flavors meld together for a more robust taste when marinating your chicken.
