Air-Fryer Grilled Chicken: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Making grilled chicken in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and tasty way to cook chicken. It's perfect for meal prep and can be served with almost anything. You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs, but the flavour will be different.

To make grilled chicken in an air fryer, you'll need to preheat the air fryer to around 350-400°F. Then, mix together your choice of seasonings and olive oil in a bowl. Season the chicken breasts on all sides, ensuring they are evenly coated. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket and cook for around 10 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

You can also cook frozen chicken in the air fryer, but it's best to adjust the cooking time to ensure it's cooked through.

Choosing the right chicken

If you're cooking for a larger group, you can use 2-3 chicken breasts. However, it's important not to overcrowd your air fryer. You want the chicken pieces to be spaced out slightly so that they cook evenly and get that delicious golden, crispy exterior. If you're cooking more chicken than will fit in a single layer in your air fryer, you'll need to cook it in batches.

You can use frozen chicken breasts, but it's best to thaw them first. This will help the chicken cook more quickly and evenly. The safest way to thaw chicken is to leave it in the refrigerator overnight. If you're short on time, you can place the chicken breasts inside a ziplock bag and submerge them in a bowl of cold water, changing out the water every so often.

Preparing the chicken

Next, prepare your chosen seasonings. Most recipes suggest a combination of spices, including garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, and salt and pepper. You can also add a little olive oil to the mix, which will help the chicken brown and prevent it from sticking to the air fryer. One recipe suggests adding a pinch of brown sugar and cornstarch to the mix for extra flavour and crispiness.

Once you have prepared your seasoning, pour it into the bowl or bag with the chicken and toss or rub the chicken to ensure it is evenly coated. You can leave the chicken to marinate at this stage if you wish, but it is not necessary.

Finally, place the chicken breasts into the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. You want them spaced out slightly to allow the air to circulate and ensure even cooking. Brush the basket with olive oil first to prevent sticking. Now your chicken is ready to cook!

Cooking the chicken

To cook juicy and tender grilled chicken in an air fryer, you'll need to follow a few simple steps. First, preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 350°F and 390°F. While the air fryer is heating up, prepare your chicken breasts by either pounding them out to an even thickness or slicing them into thin, flat pieces. This step is optional, but it will help the chicken cook more evenly and prevent over-drying.

Next, you'll want to season your chicken. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, cayenne powder, salt, and pepper. Simply mix your chosen seasonings in a small bowl, then rub or sprinkle them onto the chicken, making sure to coat all sides evenly. You can also add olive oil to the chicken before seasoning to enhance the flavour and help the seasonings stick.

Once your chicken is seasoned and your air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook! Place the chicken breasts into the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping. Cook the chicken for about 10 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For best results, flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time.

After the chicken is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving. This grilled chicken is perfect on its own or can be added to salads, sandwiches, tacos, and more!

Storing the chicken

Storing your grilled chicken correctly is essential to ensure it stays fresh and safe to eat. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store your chicken:

Storing Cooked Chicken

It is important to store your cooked chicken within two hours of cooking. Bacteria can multiply quickly when chicken is left between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C). Place the chicken in a clean, dry, airtight container or seal it in an unused food-grade plastic bag to retain freshness and quality. Label the container or bag with the date, so you know how many days you have left to enjoy it. Cooked chicken can last in the fridge between three and four days, sometimes up to five days. However, always check the colour, odour, and texture of the meat before consuming it, as it may spoil earlier.

Storing Uncooked Chicken

If you are storing uncooked chicken, it is best to use an airtight container or sealable bag. Make sure the chicken is completely cool before storing it in the fridge. It will last in the fridge for up to five days. If you need to store it for longer, you can freeze it.

Storing Leftovers

When storing leftovers, remove any stuffing and keep it in a separate container. Make sure to use the leftovers within three to four days and properly reheat them, ensuring the chicken is heated all the way through.

Transporting Chicken

When transporting cooked chicken, keep it either hot or refrigerated. Use an insulated container to keep it warm or an ice chest to keep it cool. This will ensure your chicken stays fresh and safe to eat.

Serving suggestions

There are endless ways to serve air fryer grilled chicken. Here are some ideas:

Salads

You can add the chicken to a simple side salad, or try something more complex like a roasted peanut kale salad, avocado kale caesar salad, or a simple green salad. You can also add it to a quinoa chickpea salad or a wedge salad.

Sandwiches and Wraps

Air fryer grilled chicken is a great addition to sandwiches and wraps. You can also slice the chicken and serve it on a big cutting board with dips.

Rice and Pasta Bowls

Try serving the chicken with rice, or in a pasta dish like paprika chicken pasta. You could also try it with green rice, or creamy kale pasta.

Soups

Air fryer grilled chicken is a great addition to soups.

Sides

You can serve the chicken with a nice roll, or any of the following sides: sweet potatoes, potato salad, fries, air fryer Texas toast, air fryer baked potato, or air fryer green beans.

Frequently asked questions