This juicy Air Fryer Grilled Chicken comes together in about 30 minutes and uses an air fryer for a quick and easy dinner that your family will love!
Ingredients for Perfect Air Fryer Grilled Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These are my go-to choice for a lean protein. You can use chicken thighs if you’re feeling a bit adventurous, more flavor and tenderness!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a lovely richness. You know, if you’re out of olive oil, feel free to substitute with whatever oil you have on hand, avocado oil works great too!
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Because garlic makes everything better! If you have fresh garlic, even better, just mince a couple of cloves.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds depth of flavor. You could also use some finely chopped shallots if you really want to jazz it up!
- 1 teaspoon paprika: This gives that gorgeous color and a hint of smokiness. If you’re into spice, swap in some smoked paprika!
- Salt and pepper to taste: A couple pinches here and there really step up the flavor game.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens everything up! Lime juice works too, or even a splash of balsamic vinegar if you feel inspired.
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional): I love a little parsley or cilantro on top for that pop of color and freshness.
Let’s Get Cooking!
Preheat the Air Fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial, so don’t skip it! You want that hot air circulating to get that lovely sear on your chicken.
Make the Marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Whisk it together until it’s well blended and the aromas start to come through, it’s seriously mouthwatering!
Coat the Chicken: Take those chicken breasts and coat them evenly with the marinade. Make sure every inch of those beauties is covered! You can even let them sit for an extra 10 minutes in the marinade to soak up all that flavor.
Air Fry the Chicken: Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t crowd the basket; you want them to cook evenly. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Trust me, your kitchen is going to smell divine!
Rest and Garnish: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, making your chicken super juicy. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and get ready to dig in!
Serve and Enjoy!: Slice the chicken and serve it with your favorite sides, rice, veggies, or a fresh salad work beautifully!

If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Air Fryer Chicken Thighs or my Air Fryer Fried Pickles!
What Makes This Recipe Special
Quick & Easy
This recipe truly shines when it comes to speed. Like, it comes together in under 30 minutes, from start to finish! You can have a delicious protein on the table without spending your whole evening cooking.
Minimal Cleanup
Using the air fryer means minimal prep and even less cleanup. Everything cooks in one handy basket, which is a lifesaver after a long day. You can have dinner and then kick back with Netflix without scrubbing pots and pans!
Budget-Friendly
The beauty of this recipe? It uses affordable, everyday ingredients that you probably already have at home! No need to break the bank to make a wholesome meal for your family. And if you want a little kick, throw in a few spices you have in your pantry!
Meal Prep Perfection
This Perfect Air Fryer Grilled Chicken is fantastic for meal prep. Make a batch ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for the week. It’s great cold on salads, warm with rice, or tossed into wraps, definitely a meal prep win!
Loaded with Tons of Flavor
This chicken is loaded with tons of flavor, thanks to that easy marinade. I always find that the longer you can let it sit, the better it gets. Letting the flavors mingle is where the magic happens!

Serving Suggestions
This Perfect Air Fryer Grilled Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides! Here are a few ideas:
- Fresh Salads: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a perfect match. Try adding some avocado or nuts for crunch!
- Rice or Quinoa: Nutty brown rice or fluffy quinoa balances the meal nicely. Add some steamed veggies for the perfect side.
- Roasted Veggies: Toss in whatever you like, carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers roasted until tender. Delicious!
- Wraps or Pitas: Shred the chicken and stuff it in a whole-grain wrap with your favorite veggies and sauces for a quick lunch option.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Leftover chicken keeps well in an airtight container for about 3-4 days in the fridge.
- Reheating: For the best results, I recommend reheating in the air fryer for about 5 minutes at 375°F (190°C) to keep it juicy and regain that lovely texture.
- Freezer Friendly: Yes! You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly and date it. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
And there you have it! A reliable, quick, and easy recipe for Perfect Air Fryer Grilled Chicken that your family will rave about. You’ll want to make this again and again, trust me, it’s not just a meal; it’s an experience! Happy cooking, friends!
And for more recipes, follow us on Pinterest.
Print
Perfect Air Fryer Grilled Chicken
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A quick and easy weeknight dinner that is juicy and flavorful, perfect for the whole family.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Whisk until well blended.
- Coat the chicken breasts evenly with the marinade. Let sit for an extra 10 minutes if desired.
- Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
For best results, marinate overnight to intensify flavors. Pairs well with fresh salads, rice, or roasted veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
