This Air Fryer Grilled Chicken is juicy and full of flavor! It cooks quickly and has that nice grilled taste without needing a barbecue.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something tasty. I often serve it with a side salad or some veggies for a healthy meal. So easy to whip up! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of the show here. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work great too! They stay juicy and flavorful.
Olive Oil: This adds moisture and richness. You can use avocado oil or even melted coconut oil if you want to switch things up. Just keep the flavor in mind!
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice is a handy substitute. However, fresh gives the best flavor!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for that punch! If you’re short on fresh cloves, garlic powder can be used as a substitute, but use less than what’s called for.
Herbs (Oregano and Thyme): These dried herbs add great depth. You can swap them with Italian seasoning if you have it, but fresh herbs can also elevate the dish.
Paprika: This not only adds color but a bit of warmth. Smoked paprika can give a nice twist. If you want less spice, just stick to sweet paprika.
How Do You Ensure Your Chicken Is Juicy and Flavored Perfectly?
One essential step to juicy and flavorful chicken lies in the marinating process. It helps the chicken absorb all those delicious flavors. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix your marinade ingredients thoroughly to ensure even flavor distribution.
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but 2 hours is even better to let those flavors soak in.
- When placing the chicken in the air fryer, make sure they aren’t overlapping; this helps them cook evenly.
- Once they’re done cooking, let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the chicken.
How to Make Air Fryer Grilled Chicken?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes of marinating time and around 20 minutes to cook the chicken in the air fryer. So overall, you’ll spend about 50 minutes to enjoy a delicious meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 360°F (182°C). This ensures that your chicken will cook evenly and get that nice golden-brown finish.
2. Make the Marinade:
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Use a whisk to combine everything well—you want all those flavors to come together nicely!
3. Marinate the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and place them in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Seal the bag (or cover the dish) and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinate for up to 2 hours for extra flavor.
4. Prepare for Cooking:
Once the chicken has marinated, take it out and let any excess marinade drip off. This step helps prevent the chicken from being too saucy when you cook it.
5. Cook in the Air Fryer:
Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer; don’t let them overlap. This will help them cook evenly. Cook for 18-20 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and turn golden brown.
6. Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making your chicken juicier. When ready, slice the chicken, garnish with some chopped fresh parsley if you like, and enjoy your delicious air fryer grilled chicken!
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but the cooking time will need to be adjusted! Bone-in pieces typically require an additional 5-10 minutes of cooking time, depending on the size. Make sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) before serving.
What If I Don’t Have Olive Oil?
No problem! You can substitute olive oil with any other cooking oil like vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil. Each will provide a slightly different flavor, but your chicken will still turn out delicious.
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Absolutely! Marinating the chicken overnight will enhance the flavor even more. Just make sure to store it in the fridge to keep it safe. Remember to discard any leftover marinade that has come into contact with raw chicken!
How to Store Leftover Air Fryer Grilled Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer or microwave until heated through. If reheating in the air fryer, 3-5 minutes at 350°F (175°C) should do the trick!
