Craving that perfectly grilled chicken flavor without the fuss of a barbecue? Our Air Fryer Grilled Chicken recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken with delicious char marks and a smoky essence, all from the convenience of your kitchen. This recipe is your go-to for a healthy, quick, and incredibly satisfying meal solution.
Key Ingredients for Air Fryer Grilled Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper for a little heat
How to Make Air Fryer Grilled Chicken
This Air Fryer Grilled Chicken recipe is your secret weapon for whipping up a sensational meal in minutes. It’s incredibly simple, bursting with robust flavor, and results in unbelievably juicy chicken every single time. With a prep time of just 10 minutes and cooking time of 12-15 minutes, you’ll be enjoying a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: If using chicken breasts, you may want to pound them slightly to an even thickness (about 3/4 inch). This ensures even cooking. If using chicken thighs, trim any excess fat.
- Create the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Whisk until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the bowl with the marinade. Toss to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that desirable “grilled” effect.
- Arrange Chicken in Air Fryer Basket: Place the marinated chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking and steaming rather than grilling. If necessary, cook in batches.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken and the specific air fryer model. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and have nice char marks.
- Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer basket. Let it rest on a plate or cutting board for 5-10 minutes before slicing or serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and moist chicken.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Grilled Chicken
You’ll fall head over heels for this Air Fryer Grilled Chicken because it effortlessly delivers that sought-after smoky, grilled flavor and incredibly juicy texture right from your air fryer. Say goodbye to expensive restaurant bills; creating this flavorful protein at home is significantly more budget-friendly and remarkably healthier. The simple yet potent blend of smoked paprika, garlic, and oregano creates a mouthwatering crust that rivals any backyard grill, making it a step beyond your average baked chicken.
This recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights and healthy meal prep alike, offering a delicious foundation for countless dishes. Compared to traditional grilling, which can be weather-dependent and time-consuming, this air fryer method is a guaranteed success, rain or shine. Give this Air Fryer Grilled Chicken a try tonight – your taste buds will thank you!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Properly storing and reheating your Air Fryer Grilled Chicken will ensure you can enjoy its deliciousness for days to come.
- Refrigeration: Once the chicken has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed to prevent the chicken from drying out.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen Air Fryer Grilled Chicken can last for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating:
- Oven/Toaster Oven: Preheat your oven or toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a tablespoon of oil or broth. Add the chicken and cook for a few minutes per side until warmed through.
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed. This method is great for retaining some crispiness.
- Microwave: While the quickest, microwaving can sometimes dry out the chicken. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm, checking for tenderness.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Grilled Chicken is a testament to how simple ingredients and efficient cooking can yield incredibly delicious results. Give this recipe a try; it’s a fantastic way to enjoy grilled chicken flavor any day of the week!
Air Fryer Grilled Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- If using chicken breasts, you may want to pound them slightly to an even thickness (about 3/4 inch). This ensures even cooking. If using chicken thighs, trim any excess fat.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Whisk until well combined.2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Add the chicken pieces to the bowl with the marinade. Toss to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that desirable “grilled” effect.
- Place the marinated chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking and steaming rather than grilling. If necessary, cook in batches.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken and the specific air fryer model. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and have nice char marks.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer basket. Let it rest on a plate or cutting board for 5-10 minutes before slicing or serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and moist chicken.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs