My recipe for grilled chicken in the air fryer is juicy, flavorful, and so easy to make! I whip this recipe up all the time for healthy weeknight dinners, and my family never gets tired of it.
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My Family Favorite Recipe for Air Fryer Grilled Chicken
One summer evening, I was planning to grill chicken breasts outside for an easy, healthy dinner, but the weather had other plans. When it started pouring rain, I decided to test out my idea for making grilled chicken in the air fryer.
I seasoned the boneless breasts just like I would for the grill, then let the air fryer work its magic. I was so thrilled when the chicken came out perfectly juicy inside with that smoky, spiced flavor I was craving!
It was so much easier than getting the grill going and much quicker than using the oven, and my daughter Leah ended up liking it even better. She said it was just juicier, and I agree!
And, if you love good air fryer chicken recipes, try my recipes for air fryer chicken wings, air fryer chicken thighs, air fryer chicken tenders, air fryer chicken bites, and air fryer fried chicken.
Air Fry Grilled Chicken Ingredients
- Boneless chicken breasts – I usually grab the perfectly portioned breasts at the store so I don’t have to do extra trimming. Thicker chicken can be pounded to even thickness with a rolling pin or mallet for more consistent cooking.
- Garlic powder – This brings that classic savory flavor without the bite of raw garlic.
- Onion powder – I like how this ingredient adds a subtle sweetness that balances the spices.
- Paprika – I sometimes use smoked paprika if I want more depth of flavor.
- Cayenne pepper – Completely optional, but I add a pinch when I want some heat.
- Salt and pepper – These classics enhance all the flavors in the seasoning blend.
How to Cook Grilled Chicken in the Air Fryer
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: Preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees F.
STEP TWO: Mix the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika powder, cayenne powder, and salt and pepper in a small bowl. Season the chicken breasts on all sides evenly.
STEP THREE: Lay the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook them for 10 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time for even cooking.
Tips for the Best Grilled Air Fryer Chicken Breast
- I pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help the seasonings stick on all sides.
- To help the chicken cook evenly and prevent steaming, I make sure not to crowd the air fryer basket. I lay the chicken breasts in a single layer with space between each one.
- I flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time so it cooks evenly on both sides.
- To make sure the chicken is cooked all the way through, I’ll use an instant read thermometer at the thickest part of the breast. Once it reaches 165 degrees F, it’s ready.
- Resting the chicken for a few minutes is my trick to keeping the chicken breast nice and juicy. I give it about 5 minutes before I slice the chicken.
Air Fryer Grilled Chicken Variations and Substitutions
- If I’m in the mood for dark meat, I’ll swap in chicken thighs instead of chicken breast.
- For a sweet and tangy twist, I’ll brush BBQ sauce over the grilled chicken in the air fryer for the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- When I want to dial up the heat, I’ll add some red pepper flakes to the seasoning blend.
- To get some browning on the outside, I’ll brush the chicken breasts with olive oil or avocado oil before coating with the seasoning.
- I like topping the air fryer grilled chicken with a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
What to Serve with Air Fry Grilled Chicken
When I want something quick and healthy for dinner, I’ll pair my air fryer grilled chicken with air fryer corn on the cob, air fryer broccoli, or air fryer squash and zucchini.
If I’m in the mood for a hearty side, I love making air fryer potato wedges, sweet potato cornbread, or mac and cheese without milk!
I will sometimes even stick my grilled chicken in a sandwich or salad to make things easier!
Grilled Chicken in the Air Fryer FAQs
Can I cook frozen grilled chicken in the air fryer?
To cook air fryer grilled chicken from frozen, I start by preheating my air fryer to 360 degrees F while I mix together the spices in a small bowl. I season the chicken breast on all sides, lay the frozen chicken breasts in the air fryer, then cook for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
How long to cook grilled chicken in the air fryer
The cooking time depends on the thickness of the chicken breasts. For me, my chicken breasts are usually cooked to perfection in about 10 minutes!
How can I get grill marks on the air fryer chicken breasts?
I use a grill pan insert for my air fryer, which helps give the chicken breasts those perfect grill marks! If I don’t feel like pulling that out, I just focus on flavor and juiciness instead.
How to reheat grilled chicken in the air fryer
To reheat leftover air fryer grilled chicken, I preheat my air fryer to 360 degrees F, add the chicken, then cook for 5-8 minutes until heated all the way through. I love eating leftovers in wraps or over salads!
How to store leftover air fryer grilled chicken
I let my leftover grilled chicken fully cool before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If I’m planning ahead for meal prepping, I’ll also freeze some portions in a single layer on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag once solid.
More Easy Air Fryer Dinner Recipes
- Air fryer salmon
- Air fryer pork belly
- Air fryer hamburgers
- Air fryer pork chops
- Air fryer brats
- Air fryer steak bites
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Easy Air Fryer Grilled Chicken
Ingredients
- 3 boneless chicken breasts around the same sizes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- ¼-½ teaspoon cayenne pepper depending on spice preference
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees F.
- Mix the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika powder, cayenne powder, and salt and pepper in a small bowl. Season the chicken breasts with it on all sides evenly.
- Place the chicken in the air fryer and cook it for 10 minutes, flipping it halfway through the cooking time until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
Video
Notes
- These chicken breasts work great for meal prep in sandwiches, wraps, salads, and more, or just on its own as a main dish.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help the seasonings stick on all sides.
- Do not overcrowd the basket. Only cook in a single layer with a little space in between each piece of chicken.
- Use an instant-read thermometer at the thickest part of the breast. Once it reaches 165 degrees F, it’s ready.
- Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes after cooking to let all its juices settle back in before slicing.
- Cook frozen chicken breasts in the air fryer preheated at 360 degrees F for bout 15 minutes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers in a preheated air fryer at 360 degrees F for 5 to 8 minutes.
Nutrition
This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.
Is there any difference in using an oven-style air fryer. Would the wire racks be better is covered in either baking paper or alfoil?