Description
A quick and easy air fryer grilled chicken recipe that delivers juicy, tender meat with a smoky, charred exterior without the hassle of an outdoor grill. Perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to ½-inch thickness)
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
- Rinse chicken breasts and pat dry. If thick, pound to an even ½-inch thickness. Place in a bag or dish.
- Pour marinade over chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours).
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Place chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overlapping.
- Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes. Flip chicken halfway through (at 5 minutes).
- Brush the top of the chicken with reserved marinade after flipping.
- Continue cooking for another 5-8 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove chicken from air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain.
- Serve immediately, optionally drizzling with remaining pan juices or olive oil.
Notes
Do not skip the resting step; it allows juices to redistribute. Pound chicken to even thickness for uniform cooking. Do not marinate for more than 4 hours as the acid can break down the meat. Ensure the air fryer basket is not overcrowded to allow proper air circulation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (ap
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 0.5
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 35
Keywords: air fryer chicken, grilled chicken, healthy dinner, meal prep, high protein, low carb, keto friendly, quick recipes, juicy chicken, air fryer recipes