Air Fryer Grilled Chicken

This Air Fryer Grilled Chicken is juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make! With a quick marinade and a short cook time, you get perfectly grilled chicken without firing up the grill. It’s perfect for meal prep, salads, wraps, or serving as a main dish with your favorite sides.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Juicy & Flavorful – The air fryer locks in moisture while creating a lightly charred exterior.
• Quick & Easy – Ready in less than 20 minutes!
• Healthier Option – Uses less oil than traditional grilling.
• Versatile – Perfect for salads, wraps, sandwiches, or as a main dish.
• Great for Meal Prep – Make a batch and store for easy meals throughout the week.

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
• Lemon juice (or vinegar)
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika (smoked or regular)
• Dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
• Salt & black pepper
• Cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Optional Marinade Add-Ins:

• Soy sauce for an umami boost
• Honey for a touch of sweetness
• Mustard for extra tang
• Fresh herbs for extra flavor

Directions

Marinate the Chicken:

1. Prepare the Marinade – In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Coat the Chicken – Add the chicken to the marinade and toss to coat. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes (or up to 8 hours for maximum flavor).

Air Fry the Chicken:

3. Preheat Air Fryer – Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
4. Arrange Chicken – Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket (avoid overcrowding).
5. Cook – Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6. Rest & Serve – Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2-4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Cajun Chicken – Use Cajun seasoning for a bold kick.
• Lemon Herb Chicken – Add extra lemon zest and fresh herbs.
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken – Mix grated Parmesan and extra garlic powder into the marinade.
• BBQ Chicken – Brush with BBQ sauce in the last 2 minutes of cooking.
• Tandoori Chicken – Use yogurt, turmeric, and garam masala for an Indian-inspired twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes or microwave for 1 minute.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes! Thaw before marinating for best results.

What’s the best way to ensure juicy chicken?

Don’t overcook—use a meat thermometer and remove at 165°F (75°C).

Can I make this without marinating?

Yes, but marinating enhances the flavor and tenderness.

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes! Increase the cooking time to 15-18 minutes.

How do I get a grilled flavor in the air fryer?

Use smoked paprika and char the edges slightly by increasing heat for the last 2 minutes.

What can I serve with air fryer grilled chicken?

Great with roasted veggies, rice, mashed potatoes, or in salads and wraps.

Do I need to flip the chicken?

Yes! Flipping halfway ensures even cooking.

Can I use skin-on chicken?

Yes! The skin will crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.

Can I add sauce while cooking?

Yes! Brush BBQ sauce or glaze on in the last 2 minutes to avoid burning.

How do I make this recipe low-sodium?

Use low-sodium soy sauce or omit extra salt.

Conclusion

This Air Fryer Grilled Chicken is an easy, quick, and delicious way to enjoy juicy, flavorful chicken with minimal effort! Whether you serve it as a main dish, slice it for salads, or use it for meal prep, this recipe is a must-try. Fire up your air fryer and enjoy a perfectly grilled meal in no time!

Print