Air Fryer Ground Chicken: 22 Minutes to Savory Success

Name: Air Fryer Ground Chicken: 22 Minutes to Savory Success
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp olive oil

By:

Christina R. Jones

November 26, 2025

This image was generated using artificial intelligence to illustrate the appearance of the recipe.

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Let me tell you, cooking with air fryer ground chicken is a total game changer! It’s quick, healthy, and oh-so-delicious. I remember the first time I decided to try ground chicken in my air fryer. I was skeptical at first, thinking it might turn out dry or bland. But wow, was I in for a surprise! The air fryer works its magic, locking in moisture while giving you that perfect golden-brown finish. This recipe transforms a simple pound of ground chicken into a flavorful dish in just about 22 minutes! You can easily whip it up on a busy weeknight or even for a casual weekend gathering. Plus, the spices in this recipe – garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder – give it a delightful kick that everyone loves. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it! It’s so versatile; you can use it in tacos, salads, or even serve it with your favorite dipping sauce. Let’s dive into making this easy, healthy, and scrumptious dish together!

Ingredients List

For this wonderfully simple air fryer ground chicken recipe, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients that pack a ton of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 lb ground chicken
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil

These ingredients come together beautifully, creating a juicy and flavorful base for countless dishes. Feel free to adjust the seasonings based on your taste – a little extra paprika can add some zing, or you can toss in some chili powder for a spicy twist! Enjoy the process of mixing and matching to find your perfect blend.

How to Prepare Air Fryer Ground Chicken

Getting your air fryer ground chicken ready is a breeze, and I’m here to walk you through every step! Follow along, and you’ll have a delicious, healthy dish in no time.

Preheat the Air Fryer

First things first, let’s preheat that air fryer! Set it to 360°F (182°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures your chicken cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden-brown color we all crave. I like to set my air fryer while I prep the chicken, so everything flows smoothly!

Prepare the Chicken Mixture

Now, grab a large bowl and add your 1 lb of ground chicken. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This is where the magic happens! Mix everything together until well combined. You can choose to form this mixture into patties for a fun burger-style meal or keep it loose for a more versatile dish. Either way, you’re in for a treat!

Add Olive Oil and Combine

Next up, let’s add in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. This step is crucial for keeping your chicken juicy and flavorful. Gently mix everything until the chicken is coated with the oil. You want a nice, cohesive mixture that sticks together but isn’t overly wet. Trust me, this little bit of oil makes a big difference in texture!

Cooking the Chicken

Now it’s time for the fun part! Place the patties or your loose chicken into the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket; you want the hot air to circulate around the chicken for that perfect cook. Set your timer for 10-12 minutes and don’t forget to flip halfway through! It’s essential to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe and cooked through. When that timer goes off, you’ll have beautifully cooked air fryer ground chicken ready to enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: This air fryer ground chicken dish comes together in just 22 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
Healthy Ingredients: Ground chicken is a lean protein option, and with just a few spices, you’ll have a nutritious meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Flavorful Spices: The combination of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika adds a delightful kick that elevates the taste without any fuss.
Versatile Serving Options: Use it in tacos, salads, or enjoy it as a main dish – the possibilities are endless! You can even serve it with your favorite dipping sauce for a fun twist.

Tips for Success

To make your air fryer ground chicken turn out perfectly every time, here are some pro tips that I swear by:

Adjust Seasoning to Your Taste: Don’t be shy about tweaking the spices! If you love a bit of heat, try adding some cayenne pepper or chili flakes. For a more earthy flavor, a dash of cumin can work wonders too. Taste as you go – it’s a fun way to make the recipe your own!
Mix It Up with Different Herbs: Feel free to experiment with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. Just chop them finely and add them to your chicken mixture for a burst of freshness. They can really elevate the dish!
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: This is key! If your air fryer basket is too crowded, the chicken won’t cook evenly. You want that hot air to circulate around each piece for that golden-brown finish. If you have a lot to cook, do it in batches!
Use a Meat Thermometer: Investing in a meat thermometer can be a game changer. It takes the guesswork out of cooking times, ensuring your chicken is perfectly cooked every time. Just pop it in the thickest part and aim for that 165°F (74°C) mark!
Let It Rest: Once your air fryer ground chicken is done, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, making every bite juicy and tender.

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a pro at making delicious air fryer ground chicken in no time! Happy cooking!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying air fryer ground chicken, it’s always good to know what you’re putting into your body! Here’s a quick glance at the estimated nutritional data for one serving of this delightful dish:

Calories: 220
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 300mg
Carbohydrates: 0g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 26g

Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use and any adjustments you make along the way. It’s always a good idea to check the labels and adjust according to your preferences. Enjoy your healthy and tasty meal!

FAQ Section

Got questions about air fryer ground chicken? No worries! I’ve got you covered with some of the most common queries I hear. Let’s dive right into it!

How long do I cook air fryer ground chicken if I double the recipe?

If you double the recipe, the cooking time will remain about the same, around 10-12 minutes. However, make sure you still don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. If you have a lot of chicken, it’s best to cook it in batches to ensure even cooking and that golden-brown finish!

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey makes a fantastic substitute for ground chicken. Just keep in mind that turkey can be a little leaner, so you might want to add a touch more olive oil to keep it juicy. The spices in this recipe will work wonderfully with turkey as well!

What if I don’t have paprika? Can I leave it out?

If you don’t have paprika on hand, you can definitely leave it out. But I’d suggest adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat or even using smoked paprika if you have it; it adds a lovely flavor. Feel free to experiment with what spices you have – that’s the joy of cooking!

How should I store leftovers?

Once your air fryer ground chicken has cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay tasty for about 3 days. Just reheat gently in the air fryer or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy them again!

Can I freeze air fryer ground chicken?

You can definitely freeze it! Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It should keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the air fryer for best results!

If you have more questions or need further tips, feel free to reach out! Cooking should be fun and stress-free, so let’s keep it that way!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your air fryer ground chicken properly is key to keeping it delicious for later! Once your chicken has cooled down, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. This will help lock in moisture and keep everything fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days – perfect for meal prep or quick lunches during the week!

If you want to keep it longer, you can absolutely freeze it! Just make sure the chicken is completely cool before placing it in a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag. Don’t forget to label it with the date! It should stay tasty for about 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge.

Now, when it comes to reheating, I recommend using your air fryer for the best results. Preheat it to around 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken back in for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s heated through. This method helps retain that lovely texture and flavor. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works too! Just pop it in for a minute or so, but keep an eye on it to avoid drying it out.

Enjoy those leftovers! They’re just as tasty the second time around, especially when you pair them with a fresh salad or some steamed veggies. Happy reheating!