Air Fryer Grilled Chicken

Weeknights just got tastier with this juicy, savory, and tender Air Fryer Grilled Chicken that comes together in just minutes. Delicious on its own, it’s also the ideal protein to top your salads, add to tacos, or pile up onto pasta. With school back in session this chicken recipe will have a nourishing meal on the table in less than half an hour.

Beat the heat and skip firing up the grill or oven. Using your air fryer not only ensures this chicken stays incredibly moist while cooking quickly, but it also won’t have you breaking a sweat. Serve this alongside vegan black beans and a garden fresh salad for a protein-packed meal the entire family will love. 

Jump to:

• Why you will love this recipe
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Equipment
• Variations
• Substitutions
• Tips
• FAQ
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Comments

Why you will love this recipe

• Easy Process - There is nothing complicated about this chicken breast recipe. Simply season your chicken and pop it in the air fryer. It’s a great recipe for the beginner cook or busy moms on the go. 
• Meal Prep - As delicious as this chicken is for dinner it can also be the base of your weekly meal prep. Cook up an extra batch and enjoy it in your lunches! You can even slice it up and add it to sandwiches if you like. 
• Versatility - The savory and herbaceous flavors of the seasoning mix for this chicken stand up on their own while also complimenting other flavors. Use this chicken in the same way you would rotisserie chicken…sliced, diced, or shredded into other recipe creations. 
• Accessible Ingredients - Starting with the best quality chicken breast, you only need a handful of pantry staples to bring this chicken recipe together. It’s as easy to shop for as it is to make!

Ingredients

• Springer Mountain Farms Chicken Breast - This completely antibiotic and hormone-free chicken is American Humane Certified. Their diet is 100% US-grown. This lean meat is low in fat and calories and high in protein. 
• Olive Oil - Olive oil not only helps the chicken brown and the seasoning mix to adhere, but it also prevents the chicken from sticking to the bottom of the air fryer. 
• Garlic Powder - This adds a sharp, savory note to the seasoning mix. 
• Onion Powder - Onion powder gives a delicate, slightly sweet onion flavor without overpowering the rest of the seasoning. 
• Italian Seasoning - Fresh, herbaceous, and a little earthy, this salt-free blend usually contains basil, oregano, thyme, marjoram, and garlic. Different brands will have slightly different combinations. 
• Salt - With all of the other spices you don’t need a lot. Enhances all of the natural flavors of the ingredients.  
• Paprika - Paprika gives a beautiful color and mild sweetness with a little earthiness.

Instructions

• Pat the chicken breasts dry and place them in a large bowl.
• Add all of the seasonings to a small bowl and mix together.
• Pour the olive oil into the bowl and toss to make sure the chicken is all coated in the oil.
• Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the chicken and rub the chicken to make sure that it is evenly coated in the spice mix.
• Brush the bottom of the air fryer basket with additional olive oil.
• Place the chicken breasts into the basket, making sure they’re not touching. You want them spaced out slightly.
• Air fry the chicken at 380 ℉ for ten minutes.
• Flip the chicken over and cook the chicken for another ten minutes.
• Check the internal temperature of the chicken at the ten-minute mark. Remove any chicken that is 165 ℉ . 
• Because some pieces may be larger, not all may be done. Cook the chicken three minutes at a time until it reaches 165 ℉.
• Allow the chicken to cool for 5-10 minutes before cutting.

Equipment

• Air fryer
• Mixing Bowls
• Measuring Cups/Spoons
• Pastry Brush
• Instant Read Digital Thermometer

Variations

• Spicy - Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne to the seasoning mix for a little kick of heat.
• Sweet - For a little sweetness, add a pinch of brown sugar to the seasoning mix. 
• Citrus - Lemon and orange both pair well with the flavors in the seasoning mix. Add a couple of teaspoons of lemon or orange zest to the seasoning mix. You can finish with a squeeze of citrus as well.
• Flavored Olive Oil - Add even more depth of flavor with the addition of flavored olive oil such as garlic.

Substitutions

This same recipe and cooking method also works for other cuts of chicken such as boneless skinless chicken thighs and chicken tenders. The cooking time will vary slightly. Always cook to an internal temperature of 165.

Tips

• Make sure to not overcrowd your air fryer. You don’t want the chicken touching. This will allow the air to circulate so it browns. If they’re piled up on each other you risk the chicken steaming. It’s better to cook in batches.
• Make extra of the seasoning mix. It not only works well all all cuts of chicken but is also delicious on pork and vegetables.
• An instant-read thermometer is your best friend. Make sure to temp check after 20 minutes of cooking.

FAQ

How long does air fryer grilled chicken last?

Keep the chicken stored in airtight containers or zipt top bags in the refrigerator and it will last 3-4 days.

Can I freeze the air fryer grilled chicken?

Yes! Allow the chicken to cool completely. You can slice it, chop it, or leave the chicken breasts while. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag making sure to let out all of the air. They will last for up to three months in the freezer. Allow them to defrost overnight in the refrigerator. The chicken can either be eaten chilled or reheated. 

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