Air Fryer Grilled Chicken Breast Recipe

This air fryer grilled chicken breast gives you that simple, seasoned chicken you'd usually make on the grill, just without going outside.

It's not exactly the same as grilling, but I can still get a lightly smoky flavor with juicy chicken and a nice golden outside. This air fryer chicken breast method keeps it simple and actually works, without drying it out. This recipe is ready to serve in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect quick dinner option.

Gently flavored with jerk seasoning, this air fry grilled chicken is warming and slightly sweet, layered with a delicious smokiness. The seasoning is just the thing to set off the tender chicken breast for a mouth-watering meal.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

• Juicy chicken, not dry
• Simple seasoning, nothing complicated
• No grill needed
• Works for meal prep, salads, wraps, or bowls
• Clean, everyday flavor that goes with everything

How long do you grill chicken breast in air fryer?

It usually takes around 20 minutes at 380°F to cook grilled chicken in air fryer. However, the exact timings will depend on how big your pieces of chicken are and your air fryer.

Getting that grilled texture depends a lot on using the best temperature for air fryer chicken breast.

Ingredients you'll need to make grilled chicken breasts.

**Find the full list of ingredients along with the recipe instructions down below**

Chicken: Make sure you use chicken breast, as this is the most tender part of the chicken. When choosing your chicken breast, look out for breasts that are plump and feel flexible when you push down on the packaging.

Seasoning: This recipe uses jerk seasoning, which hints at spice. If you're not a fan of spice, try making this air fried grilled chicken using ras el hanout, which is fragrant but less spicy. You can find ras el hanout at Target if you can't find it at your local store.

Oil: I use a little oil in a sprayer bottle for this recipe to ensure the chicken doesn't stick. If you don't have olive oil, any neutral-tasting oil like canola, sunflower, or vegetable will work just as well.

What "grilled" means in the air fryer

This is where people get confused, an air fryer doesn't actually grill.

• No direct flame
• No real grill marks
• No true char

What it does give you:

• Even cooking
• Golden outside
• Juicy inside

Air fryers cook with circulating hot air, similar to a convection oven, which helps cook chicken quickly and evenly

The goal here is simple: clean, seasoned chicken with a slight smoky flavor not actual grilled chicken.

How to make grilled chicken breast in air fryer

First, in a small bowl, combine the jerk seasoning and brown sugar. Pat chicken breast dry with paper towels; spritz with oil and rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken breasts.

Next, place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket and air fry to 380ºF for 20 minutes turning halfway through, or cook until an instant meat thermometer registers 165ºF. 

Finally, Remove from the basket and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Recipe tips

• Pound or slice evenly: This is what keeps it from drying out on one side and undercooking on the other.
• Use a little oil: Helps with browning and keeps it juicy.
• Flip halfway: This alone makes a big difference in even cooking.
• Don't overcook it: This is the fastest way to ruin chicken breast.
• Let it rest before cutting: That's what keeps the juices inside.

To avoid it drying out, focus on how to keep chicken breast juicy in the air fryer while it cooks.

What to serve with air-fried grilled chicken breast

Air fryer grilled chicken breast is terrific served with instant pot brown rice to contrast the spicy flavor, and this healthy black bean and corn salsa adds a fresh taste and crunchy texture.

You can also serve it like:

• Slice for salads
• Add to wraps or bowls
• Serve with grain and vegetables
• Use for meal prep during the week

How to store grilled chicken breast

You can safely store the grilled chicken breast air fryer in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days and in the freezer for 3 to 4 months.

To store chicken in the fridge, seal it in an airtight container to prevent oxygen from getting to it. Keep it on the bottom shelf so that any escaped juices don't leak onto anything below. 

Wrap the chicken in freezer bags or heavy-duty aluminum foil to store it in the freezer. It's a good idea to keep in individual portions, as this will make it much easier when it's time to defrost.

How to reheat grilled chicken breast

Reheating grilled chicken breast in the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F, and then lay the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. They will need roughly five minutes to heat through, but the exact time will depend on the size of the chicken and your air fryer. If you are heating from frozen, allow an extra 3-5 minutes.

Reheating grilled chicken breast on the stovetop: Heat enough water in a large skillet or frying pan to cover the bottom over medium-high heat. Once the water is hot, put the chicken in the skillet, and lower the heat to medium. Heat for about 6 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken. If your chicken is frozen, you will need to defrost it first.

Reheating grilled chicken breast in the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet and heat for around 15 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken pieces and your oven. If your chicken is frozen, you will need to defrost it first.

When reheating chicken, always use a meat thermometer on the thickest part of the meat to ensure it has reached 165°F before serving.

FAQ's

Should you marinate chicken before grilling in the air fryer?

This air fryer grilled chicken breasts recipe uses a simple marinade before putting the chicken in the air fryer. This is beneficial because it infuses the meat with a delicious flavor and adds extra moisture. The cooked chicken is completely mouth-watering.

How do you make sure your chicken breast is not dry?

The reason chicken breast goes dry is usually because it is overcooked. Avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer to check for a safe internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the breast. 

Making grilled chicken in the air fryer is also an excellent way to avoid drying out your chicken. The air fryer cooks the meat quickly and evenly, ensuring that moisture isn't lost.

More Delicious Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipes you'll love

• Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breast Recipe
• Air Fryer Chicken Breast
• Marinated Chicken Breast in Air Fryer
• BBQ Air Fryer Chicken Breast
• Split Chicken Breast Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Pecan Crusted Chicken Breast
• Buffalo Chicken Breast Air Fryer
• Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast in Air Fryer

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