Air Fryer Grilled Chicken

Introduction

Who doesn’t love the juicy, smoky flavor of grilled chicken? But, what if you could enjoy that grilled goodness without firing up the barbecue? Enter the air fryer! This Air Fryer Grilled Chicken recipe is perfect for those busy nights when you want a flavorful, healthy meal but don’t have the time or energy to fire up the grill. With a simple marinade and just a few minutes in the air fryer, you’ll have perfectly cooked chicken that’s tender, juicy, and full of smoky flavor. It’s a quick, mess-free, and easy recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

Ingredients (in Grams)

For the Chicken Marinade:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 680g)
2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (15ml)
2 teaspoons garlic powder (6g)
1 teaspoon paprika (3g)
1 teaspoon dried oregano (1g)
1 teaspoon salt (5g)
½ teaspoon black pepper (2g)
1 tablespoon honey (optional for sweetness, 21g)

For the Cooking:

Cooking spray (for lightly greasing the air fryer basket)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and honey (if using).
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken.
Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to let the chicken absorb all the delicious flavors.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for about 3-5 minutes. This ensures the air fryer is nice and hot when you place the chicken inside, giving it that beautiful sear and juicy texture.

Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade and lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Place the chicken breasts into the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not overlapping so that air can circulate around them evenly.
Air fry the chicken at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Step 4: Rest & Serve

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the chicken for extra tenderness.
Serve your air fryer grilled chicken with your favorite sides, such as a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or a grain like quinoa or rice. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Based on 4 Servings)

Calories: 220 kcal
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fat: 9g
Sodium: 480mg

(Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients used.)

Tips & Tricks for the Best Air Fryer Grilled Chicken

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket

For the best results, make sure the chicken pieces don’t overlap in the air fryer. This allows the hot air to circulate properly around each piece, ensuring an even cook. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.

2. Use Bone-In Chicken for Extra Flavor

While this recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you can use bone-in chicken thighs or bone-in chicken breasts if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as bone-in pieces take longer to cook.

3. Adjust the Marinade to Your Taste

Feel free to customize the marinade with different herbs and spices to suit your taste. For example, try adding cumin, chili powder, or rosemary for unique flavor twists.

4. For Extra Crispiness

If you prefer a crispier exterior on your chicken, after cooking, spray the chicken with a little bit of olive oil spray and return it to the air fryer for an additional 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy.

5. Make It a Meal

Air fryer grilled chicken pairs perfectly with a side of roasted potatoes, steamed veggies, or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal. You can also slice the chicken and add it to a wrap, sandwich, or pasta for a complete dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Quick & Easy – Prep the chicken in minutes and let the air fryer do the work.
✔ Healthy – It’s lower in fat than traditional grilled chicken, but still incredibly juicy and flavorful.
✔ Versatile – Perfect for any meal—whether served with sides, as a topping for salads, or inside wraps.
✔ Minimal Cleanup – Air fryer cooking means no messy grills or grates to clean up afterward.