Air Fryer Grilled Chicken

Air Fryer Grilled Chicken is a fantastic dish perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to meal prep for the week. This recipe highlights the simplicity of cooking chicken in an air fryer, delivering juicy and flavorful results every time. The combination of spices and olive oil adds a mouthwatering touch, making it a go-to choice for both seasoned cooks and beginners alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Cooking Time: This dish takes only 20 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Healthy Option: Air frying uses less oil than traditional frying, helping you enjoy a delicious meal with fewer calories.
• Flavorful Seasoning: The blend of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika gives the chicken a savory kick that everyone will love.
• Easy Cleanup: With minimal dishes involved, you’ll spend less time cleaning up after your meal.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it with salads, wraps, or sides of your choice for endless meal options.

Tools and Preparation

To create this mouthwatering Air Fryer Grilled Chicken, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Meat thermometer
• Basting brush

Importance of Each Tool

• Air fryer: This high-tech appliance cooks food quickly while keeping it crispy without excess oil.
• Mixing bowls: Perfect for combining ingredients and marinating your chicken before cooking.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
• Basting brush: Useful for applying oil to prevent sticking in the air fryer basket.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 ½ pounds Springer Mountain Farms perfectly portioned 4 oz chicken breasts

For the Marinade

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 ¾ teaspoon salt
• 1 ¼ teaspoon paprika

How to Make Air Fryer Grilled Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and place them in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Make the Seasoning Mix

In a small bowl, combine:
1. ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
2. ½ teaspoon onion powder
3. 1 ¾ teaspoon salt
4. 1 ¼ teaspoon paprika

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken. Toss to coat evenly. Then sprinkle the seasoning mix over all pieces and rub it in to ensure complete coverage.

Step 4: Prep the Air Fryer

Lightly brush the bottom of the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Arrange the Chicken

Place each chicken breast in the air fryer basket. Ensure they are not overlapping for even cooking.

Step 6: Air Fry the Chicken

Set your air fryer to 380°F and cook for 10 minutes.

Step 7: Flip and Continue Cooking

After the initial cooking time, flip each piece of chicken over. Cook for an additional 10 minutes.

Step 8: Check the Internal Temperature

Use a meat thermometer at this point to check if each piece has reached an internal temperature of at least 165°F. If not, continue cooking in intervals of three minutes until fully cooked.

Step 9: Rest the Chicken

Once cooked through, carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer. Let it rest for about five to ten minutes before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your delicious Air Fryer Grilled Chicken!

How to Serve Air Fryer Grilled Chicken

Air Fryer Grilled Chicken is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal experience.

Salad Bowls

• Fresh greens topped with sliced grilled chicken create a light and nutritious meal. Add your favorite dressing for extra flavor.

Sandwiches

• Use the grilled chicken in sandwiches with lettuce, tomato, and avocado for a satisfying lunch option.

Wraps

• Wrap slices of grilled chicken in tortillas with fresh veggies and hummus for a quick, healthy snack.

Pasta Dishes

• Toss diced grilled chicken into pasta dishes with light sauces for added protein and flavor.

Rice Bowls

• Serve grilled chicken over brown rice or quinoa with steamed vegetables for a wholesome dinner.

Skewers

• Cut the grilled chicken into chunks and serve them on skewers with peppers and onions for a fun appetizer.

How to Perfect Air Fryer Grilled Chicken

Achieving perfectly cooked Air Fryer Grilled Chicken is easy with these tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure juicy and flavorful results.

• Pat Dry Before Seasoning: Always pat the chicken breasts dry before seasoning. This helps the seasoning stick better and promotes even cooking.

• Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, use fresh spices when making your seasoning mix. This enhances the overall taste of the chicken.

• Don’t Overcrowd: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure each piece cooks evenly.

• Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This ensures safe eating and prevents dryness.

• Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to rest after cooking. This step helps retain juices and enhances flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Air Fryer Grilled Chicken

Pairing Air Fryer Grilled Chicken with delicious sides can make your meal more enjoyable. Here are some great side dish ideas to complement your dish.

1. Steamed Broccoli: Fresh, steamed broccoli adds a crunchy texture and vibrant color to your plate.

2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide comfort and rich flavors alongside your chicken.

3. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad mixed with cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs offers a light balance to the meal.

4. Roasted Vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables bring out natural sweetness and pair beautifully with the smoky flavor of grilled chicken.

5. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and zest, making it an ideal complement to grilled meats.

6. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries offer a sweet contrast that pairs well with savory grilled chicken.

7. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a classic side that adds sweetness and texture to your meal.

8. Couscous Salad: Light couscous mixed with herbs, lemon juice, and vegetables makes for a refreshing side dish that enhances any plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Air Fryer Grilled Chicken, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.

• Not drying the chicken: Failing to pat the chicken dry can lead to soggy results. Always ensure the chicken breasts are thoroughly dried before seasoning.
• Skipping the seasoning: Many people forget to season their chicken properly. Use a flavorful mix of spices to enhance the taste, as we did in this recipe.
• Overcrowding the air fryer: Placing too much chicken in the basket can result in uneven cooking. Make sure there’s enough space between each piece for proper air circulation.
• Neglecting to flip the chicken: Forgetting to flip the chicken halfway through cooking can lead to uneven browning. Remember to turn it at the 10-minute mark for even cooking.
• Not checking internal temperature: Relying on cooking time alone can be risky. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Skipping resting time: Cutting into the chicken right after cooking can cause juices to run out, making it dry. Allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes for juicier results.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Air Fryer Grilled Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Air Fryer Grilled Chicken

• Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer bag.
• Frozen grilled chicken can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Air Fryer Grilled Chicken

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F, place chicken on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a little oil, and cook for about 5 minutes on each side until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions related to Air Fryer Grilled Chicken.

How long do I cook Air Fryer Grilled Chicken?

Cook your Air Fryer Grilled Chicken at 380°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I marinate my chicken before air frying?

Yes! Marinating your chicken adds flavor and moisture. Just be sure not to let it sit too long if you’re using acidic ingredients.

What sides pair well with Air Fryer Grilled Chicken?

Air Fryer Grilled Chicken pairs beautifully with vegetables, salads, or rice dishes for a balanced meal.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

While fresh is best, you can use frozen chicken breasts; just increase cooking time. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

How do I customize my seasoning blend?

Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices based on your preferences. Add lemon zest or chili powder for extra flavor!

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Grilled Chicken is not only quick and easy but also versatile enough for any weeknight dinner or meal prep option. You can customize your seasoning blend or serve it alongside various sides. Give this recipe a try and enjoy perfectly cooked grilled chicken every time!