If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for those go-to dinner recipes that check all the boxes: quick, healthy, delicious, and practically foolproof. That’s exactly why I fell in love with this Super Tender Air Fryer Grilled Chicken. It’s juicy, perfectly seasoned, and has that lightly charred, grilled flavor—without ever having to step outside or fire up a grill.

I first made this recipe on a whim during one of those chaotic weeknights when I just didn’t have the energy to cook something elaborate. I had a couple of chicken breasts in the fridge, threw together a quick marinade, and popped them in the air fryer. The results? Better than I expected—tender, juicy chicken with a beautiful golden sear and flavor that screamed “grilled” without any of the fuss.

Whether you’re prepping ahead for weekday lunches, making a protein-packed dinner for the family, or just trying to keep things simple and tasty, this recipe is the one to keep in your back pocket. You don’t need fancy ingredients, and you definitely don’t need to babysit it over a grill. Let the air fryer do the heavy lifting while you sit back and enjoy the results.

Let’s get into how easy it is to make this super flavorful air fryer grilled chicken at home.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need for the marinade and chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Nothing fancy here—just pantry staples working together to create a marinade that’s loaded with flavor. The smoked paprika gives it that subtle grilled taste, while the lemon juice helps tenderize the meat and adds a little brightness.

STEP 1: Pound the Chicken for Even Cooking

This step might feel a little extra, but don’t skip it! Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures they cook evenly in the air fryer. It prevents one end from drying out while you’re waiting for the thicker part to finish cooking.

You can use a meat mallet or just place the chicken between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound it out with a rolling pin. Aim for about ½ inch thickness across the whole piece.

STEP 2: Make the Marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

This marinade smells amazing right off the bat—it’s zesty, smoky, and a little earthy from the oregano. Just give it a good whisk until everything’s well combined.

STEP 3: Marinate the Chicken

Place your pounded chicken breasts in a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the top and make sure the chicken is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and pop it in the fridge.

You’ll want to marinate it for at least 30 minutes to really let those flavors soak in. If you have more time, letting it sit for up to 8 hours (or even overnight) will make the chicken even more tender and flavorful. Trust me, that little bit of extra marinating time makes a big difference.

STEP 4: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Before you start cooking, go ahead and preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Just like you would with a grill or oven, preheating helps the chicken start cooking right away and gives it that slightly crisp, golden-brown exterior we’re going for.

Let it heat up for about 3 to 5 minutes while your chicken finishes marinating.

Alright, now that your chicken has been marinating and your air fryer is preheated, it’s time to move on to the best part—cooking! This is where everything comes together. In just around 10 to 12 minutes, you’ll have tender, seared chicken breasts that look and taste like they came straight off the grill.

This is one of those recipes that proves how handy an air fryer can be—not only does it cook faster than the oven, but it also gives your food that slightly crisp, caramelized finish without drying it out.

Let’s keep going!

STEP 5: Cook the Chicken in the Air Fryer

Take the marinated chicken breasts out of the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes while the air fryer finishes preheating.

Once the air fryer is hot, place the chicken breasts in the basket in a single layer. Be sure they’re not overlapping or touching—this allows the air to circulate evenly, which is key for that juicy, grilled finish.

Set your timer for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. This helps both sides get that nice golden sear. You’ll know it’s ready when the internal temperature hits 165°F, and the outside has a lightly charred, golden-brown color.

If your chicken breasts are on the thicker side, you might need to add another 1-2 minutes. I always keep a meat thermometer handy to make sure they’re fully cooked without drying them out.

STEP 6: Let It Rest Before Serving

Once the chicken is done, transfer it to a plate or cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. This is a step that’s easy to skip, but it makes a big difference. Resting helps the juices redistribute so your chicken stays moist when you slice into it.

After that, it’s ready to serve! You can enjoy it as-is, or slice it up for salads, wraps, sandwiches, or grain bowls. The flavor is super versatile and pairs with just about anything.

Tips for Making It Even Better

Here are a few simple ways to switch things up or customize the flavor:

• Add heat: Like a little spice? Toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade. It’ll give the chicken a gentle kick without overpowering the other flavors.

• Use chicken thighs: This recipe works just as well with boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which tend to be even juicier. Just note that the cooking time might be slightly shorter, depending on thickness.

• Make it a meal prep staple: Double the recipe and cook in batches. Once cooled, the chicken stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Slice and portion it into containers with rice, veggies, or salad greens for easy lunches all week.

• Serve it with sauces: This chicken is flavorful on its own, but if you’re in the mood for something extra, try pairing it with tzatziki, ranch, BBQ sauce, or a drizzle of garlic aioli. The smoky seasoning works well with just about any sauce.

• Add fresh herbs: Once cooked, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or cilantro on top for a pop of color and flavor.

Why We Love This Air Fryer Chicken

This air fryer grilled chicken has honestly become one of those “repeat recipes” in our house. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights, but tasty enough to serve to guests or bring to a potluck. Plus, cleanup is a breeze since everything comes together in just one bowl and the air fryer basket.

The marinade gives the chicken such a satisfying flavor—bright from the lemon juice, a little smoky from the paprika, and perfectly seasoned. And because of the even cooking in the air fryer, the chicken turns out juicy and tender every single time.

If you’re looking for a simple protein base you can use in all sorts of meals, this one is a keeper.