Air fryer grilled chicken is an easy way to make juicy, flavorful chicken breasts with a simple blend of pantry spices. This version uses olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for a savory seasoning that works with just about any side.
A Quick Look at the Recipe
✅ Recipe Name: Air Fryer Grilled Chicken
🕒 Ready In: ~20 minutes
👪 Serves: 4 servings
🍽 Calories: ~190 per serving (estimated)
🥣 Main Ingredients: Chicken breasts, olive oil, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper
📖 Dietary Info: Gluten-free, dairy-free, high-protein
👌 Difficulty: Easy - season, air fry, rest, slice
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This recipe is great for busy nights because it cooks quickly and can be used in so many different ways. Slice it for salads, serve it with vegetables and potatoes, or keep it on hand for meal prep during the week.
If you need more easy dinner ideas, try our Air Fryer Cod, Sheet Pan Pork Tenderloin, or Turkey Sloppy Joes.
Jump to:
- A Quick Look at the Recipe
- Why You'll Love this Air Fryer Grilled Chicken:
- Key Ingredients:
- Easy Substitutions & Variations:
- How to Make Air Fryer Grilled Chicken:
- Recipe Notes & Tips:
- How to Store:
- Air Fryer Grilled Chicken FAQs:
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- Air Fryer Grilled Chicken
Why You'll Love this Air Fryer Grilled Chicken:
Juicy and flavorful: The air fryer cooks the chicken quickly while keeping it tender, and the simple seasoning blend adds plenty of flavor.
Easy weeknight dinner: This recipe uses just a few pantry spices and comes together fast.
Great for meal prep: Air fryer grilled chicken is easy to slice and use for lunches, salads, wraps, or quick dinners throughout the week.
High in protein: Chicken breasts make this a satisfying option that pairs well with all kinds of sides.
Key Ingredients:
- chicken breasts. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook quickly in the air fryer and work well for an easy high-protein meal. Try to use pieces that are similar in size so they cook evenly.
- olive oil. Helps the seasoning stick and keeps the chicken from drying out as it cooks.
- paprika. Adds color and a light smoky flavor that pairs well with the chicken.
- garlic powder and onion powder. These give the chicken a savory, well-rounded flavor with very little effort.
Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this page for exact quantities.
Easy Substitutions & Variations:
- Use chicken tenders instead: Chicken tenders work well if you want smaller pieces that cook a little faster.
- Swap the seasoning: Try Italian seasoning, chili powder, or lemon pepper for a different flavor.
- Use chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead, though they may need a slightly different cook time.
- Add a little heat: Sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes if you want a spicier version.
- Slice it different ways: Serve the chicken whole, slice it for salads and bowls, or cut it into strips for wraps and sandwiches.
How to Make Air Fryer Grilled Chicken:
- Step 1: Combine all spices into a large bowl and combine thoroughly with mixture
- Step 2: Form into ball shape with your hands
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Recipe Notes & Tips:
- Pound the chicken evenly: If the chicken breasts are very thick, pounding them to an even thickness helps them cook more evenly and keeps the thinner ends from drying out.
- Pat the chicken dry first: This helps the oil and seasoning stick better and gives the chicken a better texture in the air fryer.
- Do not overcrowd the basket: Leave space between the chicken breasts so the hot air can circulate properly and cook them evenly.
- Use a thermometer: Chicken is done when the thickest part reaches 165°F. This is the best way to make sure it stays juicy and does not overcook.
- Let it rest before slicing: Resting the chicken for 5 minutes helps the juices settle so it stays more tender when sliced.
How to Store:
Refrigerator: Store leftover air fryer grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave, in a skillet over low heat, or in the air fryer at 350°F just until warmed through so it does not dry out.
Freezer: Freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Air Fryer Grilled Chicken FAQs:
To keep air fryer grilled chicken juicy, start with evenly sized chicken breasts, coat them lightly with oil, and do not overcook them. Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking also helps keep the juices in.
Yes, you can make air fryer grilled chicken with boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. The cooking time may vary a little, but the same seasoning works well and the chicken should still be cooked to 165°F.
Air fryer grilled chicken usually takes about 15 to 18 minutes at 375°F, depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts. The chicken is done when the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
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Air Fryer Grilled Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If they are very thick, pound them to an even thickness so they cook more evenly.
- Place the chicken in a bowl or on a plate and drizzle with olive oil.
- In a small bowl, stir together the salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over both sides of the chicken and rub it in evenly.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F if your model requires it.
- Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them.
- Air fry for 15 to 18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition
Notes
- Pound the chicken evenly: If the chicken breasts are very thick, pounding them to an even thickness helps them cook more evenly and keeps the thinner ends from drying out.
- Pat the chicken dry first: This helps the oil and seasoning stick better and gives the chicken a better texture in the air fryer.
- Do not overcrowd the basket: Leave space between the chicken breasts so the hot air can circulate properly and cook them evenly.
- Use a thermometer: Chicken is done when the thickest part reaches 165°F. This is the best way to make sure it stays juicy and does not overcook.
- Let it rest before slicing: Resting the chicken for 5 minutes helps the juices settle so it stays more tender when sliced.
Kellie says
Very delicious! I love using my air fryer instead of the oven in warmer weather.
Anonymous says
Very delicious.