Description
This easy and flavorful Air Fryer Grilled Chicken recipe delivers perfectly cooked, juicy chicken breasts with a smoky, aromatic blend of spices. Marinated in olive oil, garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, and lemon juice, these chicken breasts are air fried to golden perfection in just 15 minutes, making it a quick and healthy weeknight meal option.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to an even thickness)
Marinade
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by pounding the boneless, skinless chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure even cooking. This step helps the chicken cook uniformly in the air fryer.
- Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional fresh lemon juice. Mix until well blended.
- Marinate the Chicken: Coat the chicken breasts evenly with the prepared marinade. Let them sit for at least 15-30 minutes to absorb the flavors. For best results, marinate longer in the refrigerator if time allows.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes to ensure it is ready for cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping. Cook for 14-15 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, which should reach 165°F (74°C). This confirms the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken juicy and tender. Serve warm with your choice of sides.
Notes
- Pounding chicken breasts to an even thickness is essential for uniform cooking in an air fryer.
- Marinating time can be extended up to 2 hours for more intense flavor absorption.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.
- Use a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking and dryness.
- Optional lemon juice adds a fresh, tangy brightness to the marinade.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and paprika levels.
