Name: Air Fryer Grilled Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs Springer Mountain Farms Chicken Breast Portions (Skinless chicken breasts, perfect for absorbing flavors.); 4 oz Olive Oil (About 1 tbsp; helps keep everything moist.); 0.75 tsp Garlic Powder (Adds aromatic richness.); 0.5 tsp Onion Powder (Introduces subtle sweetness.); 1.75 tsp Salt (Essential for enhancing overall flavor.); 1.25 tsp Paprika (Smoky and slightly sweet, gives vibrant color.)

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There’s nothing quite like the sinking sensation of a delicious meal waiting just around the corner—especially when it’s grilled chicken made in an air fryer. Imagine tender, juicy chicken with a crispy, seasoned exterior that makes every bite feel luxurious. This Air Fryer Grilled Chicken is not just a dish; it’s a symphony of flavors that will elevate your dinner table and simplify your cooking routine. Whether you are looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for weekend gatherings, this recipe is here to make meal prep feel like a breeze!

You’re Going to Love This

Healthier Cooking: Using an air fryer allows you to achieve that same grilled tenderness without needing to use copious amounts of oil, making it a healthier choice for your family.
Quick and Convenient: This recipe takes just about 20 minutes from start to finish, making it a perfect option for those busy weekdays or a last-minute dinner.
Flavorful and Versatile: The mix of garlic and paprika creates a beautiful flavor profile that can be easily adjusted to your tastes. You can use your favorite spices or herbs to personalize it to your family’s liking.
Perfectly Cooked Every Time: With the precision of an air fryer, you achieve beautifully cooked chicken without worrying about it drying out or being undercooked.
Meal Prep Friendly: Cook a batch of this grilled chicken, and you’ll have versatile protein options ready to toss into salads, wraps, or serve with seasonal veggies all week long.

The Ingredient List

Let’s gather what you’ll need to create this winner in your kitchen!

1½ lbs Springer Mountain Farms Chicken Breast Portions: The star of our show! Skinless chicken breasts are tender and lean, perfect for absorbing all those delish seasonings.
4 oz Olive Oil (about 1 tbsp): This will help to keep everything moist and assist in achieving that beautiful golden crust.
¾ tsp Garlic Powder: This brings aromatic richness, setting a robust base flavor for your chicken.
½ tsp Onion Powder: A subtle sweetness and depth; it complements the garlic brilliantly.
1¾ tsp Salt: Essential for enhancing the overall flavor; it makes every bite sing.
1¼ tsp Paprika: Smoky and slightly sweet, this is the secret weapon for a vibrant color and mouthwatering flavor.

Let’s Get Cooking

Ready to transform these ingredients into something phenomenal? Here’s how we bring it all together!

Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and place them in a large bowl. This helps the seasoning stick better!
Mix the Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and paprika. Watching these colors come together is like a little culinary art moment!
Coat the Chicken: Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken, tossing gently until they are evenly coated. Next, sprinkle that lovely seasoning mix over the chicken and rub it in well to cover all sides. At this point, your kitchen should be filled with tantalizing aromas!
Prepare the Air Fryer: Brush the bottom of the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. A little effort here goes a long way in easy cleanup later!
Arrange the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the basket in a single layer, ensuring there’s plenty of space between them for hot air to circulate.
Cook: Air fry the chicken at 380°F for 10 minutes. Then, flip the chicken and cook for another 10 minutes. This rotation ensures even cooking!
Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. When it reaches 165°F, it’s good to go! For any pieces that aren’t quite there yet, return them to the air fryer and continue cooking in 3-minute intervals until fully cooked.
Rest Before Slicing: Let that perfectly cooked chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing or serving. This step allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite extra succulent.

Pro Tips for Perfection

Don’t Rush the Seasoning: Letting the chicken marinate in the spices for at least 30 minutes or even overnight enhances the flavors beautifully.
Use a Meat Thermometer: This ensures you don’t overcook or undercook your chicken. Trust me; it’s worth it for perfectly juicy results!
Avoid Overcrowding: Give your chicken room in the air fryer! Overcrowding prevents that coveted crispy exterior you’re aiming for.
Experiment with Marinades: Want to take it up a notch? Marinate your chicken in something bold or tangy before seasoning it!
Clean Your Air Fryer Regularly: The leftover oils and seasoning can build up, impacting future cooking. A quick clean after each use keeps everything fresh.

Make It Your Own

Feeling a little adventurous? Let’s explore some creative variations to elevate your chicken even further!

Add Fresh Herbs: Incorporate chopped fresh rosemary or thyme into the seasoning for an herbal twist that sings summer.
Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a bright and zesty pop that will complement the paprika wonderfully.
Spicy Twist: Want to crank up the heat? Try incorporating cayenne pepper or chili powder into the seasoning mix for a kick that matches your favorite hot sauce.
Other Proteins: You could easily substitute chicken breast with boneless thighs or even turkey breast for a different flavor and texture experience.
Medley of Spices: Mix in a bit of Italian seasoning or taco seasoning for a whole new flavor profile!

Bringing It to the Table

Wondering how to showcase this juicy beauty? Here are some delightful serving suggestions.

Serve your Air Fryer Grilled Chicken alongside a hearty quinoa salad loaded with colorful vegetables and tossed in a zesty vinaigrette. Picture the vibrant colors contrasting beautifully against the golden-brown chicken on your plate. Or slice the chicken and toss it into a warm tortilla for a fresh wrap, embellished with crunchy lettuce, sliced avocado, and a drizzle of creamy yogurt sauce.

Don’t forget a side of grilled veggies or a refreshing cucumber salad to enhance the meal. And let’s not overlook the comfort of serving it with a generous dollop of creamy mashed potatoes– the combination is simply divine.

Keep It Fresh

Let’s talk about how to keep any leftovers fresh and delectable!

Refrigeration: Store the leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Snag some extra time by removing the skin after cooking to slow down spoilage.
Freezing: If you want to enjoy this dish at a later date, freeze the cooled chicken wrapped tightly in foil or freezer-safe bags for up to three months. I’d recommend slicing it before freezing so it’s easy to thaw and reheat!
Reheating Tips: When you’re ready to dig in again, thaw in the fridge overnight. For reheating, pop it back in the air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through, bringing back that juicy tenderness while maintaining that lovely texture.

Your Questions Answered

Can I use frozen chicken?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thoroughly thaw it before marinating or cooking. Cooking from frozen may require additional cooking time.
How do I know if the chicken is done?
Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way! Look for a minimum internal temperature of 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, ensure the juices run clear.
Can I add more spices to the mix?
Yes, feel free to experiment! Feel free to make this recipe your own by adjusting the spices to match your favorite flavor profiles.
Can this recipe be doubled?
Certainly! Just ensure you have space in your air fryer and that the chicken pieces are in a single layer for even cooking.

There you have it! This Air Fryer Grilled Chicken is undeniably delectable, easy to whip up, and fraught with potential for creativity. Whether you’re diving into a busy weeknight or prepping a relaxed family dinner, this chicken is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients and let’s get cooking! You’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!