Grilling Chicken In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Grilled chicken is a tasty treat, but firing up the grill can be a hassle. Luckily, you can make grilled chicken in an air fryer! It's easy to make, and the results are juicy and delicious. You can even make it ahead of time for meal prep. In this article, we'll teach you how to make air fryer grilled chicken and provide some tips and tricks for getting the most out of your air fryer. So, can you grill chicken in an air fryer? The short answer is yes!

How to grill chicken in an air fryer

Ingredients

• 2-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil or oil of your choice
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Other seasonings of your choice (e.g. garlic powder, onion powder, paprika powder, cayenne powder, Italian seasoning, chilli powder)

Utensils

• Air fryer
• Meat mallet or rolling pin
• Small bowl
• Meat thermometer (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 390°F.
• Place the chicken breasts on a flat surface and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them out so that they have an even thickness. This step is optional but will help the chicken cook more evenly.
• Whisk together your chosen seasonings in a small bowl.
• Rub or brush each side of the chicken breasts with olive oil or oil of your choice, then coat with the spice mix.
• Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket and cook for 9-10 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Thinner chicken breasts may require less time, while thicker breasts may need a couple of extra minutes.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and allow to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

What ingredients you need

Grilling chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get juicy and tender chicken breasts. Here's what you'll need:

Chicken

For the best results, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You can also use chicken thighs, but the flavour and cooking time will differ. If you're using frozen chicken, it's best to thaw it first, either overnight in the refrigerator or by submerging it in a ziplock bag in a bowl of cold water.

Oil

Olive oil is a great choice for adding flavour and moisture to your chicken. Alternatively, you can use any other oil of your choice or an olive oil spray.

Seasonings

There are many different seasoning combinations you can use to flavour your chicken. Here are a few options:

• A combination of chili powder, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
• Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika powder, cayenne powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
• Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
• Chicken seasoning, which typically includes a blend of spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper.

Other Ingredients

Some recipes suggest using brown sugar to add a touch of sweetness and caramelization to the chicken. You can also use a grill plate attachment in your air fryer if you want to get those classic grill marks on your chicken.

How long to cook it for

The cooking time for grilled chicken in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the chicken breasts and the temperature of the air fryer. For example, if you are cooking thin (1-inch-thick) chicken breasts, you should cook them for 7 minutes on each side. If you are cooking thicker chicken breasts, you may need to cook them for 2 minutes longer on each side, or around 9 minutes per side.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the model and size of your air fryer, so it is always a good idea to keep an eye on your chicken while it is cooking to ensure it doesn't dry out or undercook.

The recommended internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check if your chicken has reached this temperature. If the internal temperature is below 165°F, close the air fryer and extend the cooking time by 2 minutes, then check again.

• At 390°F, cook the chicken for 10 minutes on each side.
• At 380°F, cook the chicken for 7-9 minutes on each side.
• At 360°F, cook the chicken for 10 minutes, flipping at the 5-minute mark.
• At 350°F, cook the chicken for 9 minutes on each side.

It is also worth noting that if you are cooking frozen chicken breasts, you will need to adjust the cooking time to ensure they are cooked through. One source recommends preheating the air fryer to 360°F and cooking the frozen chicken for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How to serve grilled chicken

Grilled chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas on how to serve grilled chicken:

As a Main Course

Grilled chicken can be served as a main course with a variety of side dishes. Some side dish options include:

• Grilled vegetables such as broccoli, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, carrots, zucchini, eggplant, or asparagus.
• Salads such as a cucumber salad, pasta salad, or a broccoli salad.
• Starchy sides like grilled potatoes, potato salad, or skillet fries.
• Other options such as grilled corn, watermelon salad, or garlic bread.

In a Sandwich or Wrap

Grilled chicken can be served in a sandwich or wrap with fresh vegetables and a creamy dressing. Some specific sandwich ideas include:

• Chicken Caesar baguettes
• Melty, cheesy grilled chicken sandwiches
• Grilled chicken Caprese sandwiches
• Grilled chicken sliders

As Part of a Bowl

Grilled chicken can be added to grain bowls or served with rice and vegetables. Some specific bowl ideas include:

• Chicken quinoa bowls
• Greek chicken grain bowls
• Chicken rice bowls with basil-infused chicken and summer vegetables

With a Sauce or Marinade

Grilled chicken can be served with a variety of sauces or marinades to add extra flavor. Some ideas include:

• Sunflower seed satay sauce
• Pesto
• Italian dressing
• Coconut-soy sauce
• Barbecue sauce

As Part of a Salad

Grilled chicken can be chopped up and added to a variety of salads, such as:

• Chicken Caesar salad
• Kale Caesar salad
• Greek salad
• Panzanella

With a Side of Vegetables

Grilled chicken can be served with a simple side of vegetables, such as grilled broccoli or asparagus.

Other Ideas

• Grilled chicken can be served as chicken satay with a spiralized carrot salad.
• Grilled chicken wings can be served as an appetizer or with a BBQ salad.
• Grilled chicken fajitas are a fun family dinner option.

How to store leftovers

Storing your leftover air-fried chicken is simple. First, let the chicken cool down to room temperature. This is important because storing hot food can create condensation, which will make your chicken soggy. While the chicken is cooling, prepare a clean, airtight container. Line the bottom and sides of the container with paper towels to soak up any juices from the chicken, then place the chicken inside and cover with another paper towel before sealing.

Alternatively, you can store your leftovers in a resealable plastic bag. Once the chicken is inside, create a vacuum seal by folding the bag over itself to remove excess air. You can also wrap the chicken in a few layers of aluminium foil, ensuring there are no air bubbles or tears in the wrapping to seal in moisture and flavour.

Leftover chicken should be stored in the refrigerator and will stay good for up to five days, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Frequently asked questions