Grilled chicken in an Emeril air fryer

 Grilled chicken in an Emeril air fryer can be made with either the "Grill" or "Air Fry" setting, depending on the model. 

The best cooking time and temperature will vary based on the specific Emeril model and the thickness of the chicken. 

Recipe for grilled chicken breasts

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 8–10 oz each)

1 tbsp olive oil

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/4 tsp black pepper 

Instructions

Prepare the chicken. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels.

Make the seasoning paste. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir to create a paste.

Season the chicken. Rub the seasoning paste evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, pressing it in gently.

Preheat the air fryer. Depending on your model, preheat to either 375°F (using the "Air Fry" setting) or 450°F (using the "Grill" setting).

Cook the chicken. Place the chicken breasts in a single layer on the crisper tray or grill plate, ensuring they do not touch.

Air Fryer (375°F): Cook for 15–20 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through.

Grill Setting (450°F): Cook for 5–6 minutes per side.

Check for doneness. The chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the breast.

Rest and serve. Remove the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute for a tender, juicy result. 

Tips for success

Prevent sticking: For the grill plate, preheating is crucial for optimal results and to prevent sticking. Always use the grill plate handle to remove it, as it gets extremely hot.

Avoid overcrowding: For crispy, evenly cooked chicken, place the pieces in a single, non-overlapping layer in the air fryer basket or on the grill plate.

Adjust for thickness: Thicker chicken breasts will require a longer cooking time. Start checking the temperature a few minutes early to prevent overcooking.

Marinate for flavor: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for 1–2 hours before cooking. For example, a simple marinade of olive oil, Italian seasoning, and lime juice works well.