Published Date: September 4, 2022
Category: Air Fryer Dinners
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With just a few fresh ingredients, you can make this simple Air Fryer Margarita Chicken recipe bursting with flavor. It tastes just like chicken right off the grill but cooks in less than 20 minutes from the comfort of your own kitchen!
Ingredients
- Margarita mix
- Fresh cilantro
- Olive oil
- Lime juice, fresh squeezed
- Orange juice, fresh squeezed
- Honey
- Tequila, optional
- Garlic clove, minced
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Chicken breasts
*see recipe card for amounts
How to Margarita Chicken in the Air Fryer
Step 1: In a gallon-sized zipper bag add the margarita mix, cilantro, olive oil, lime juice, orange juice, honey, tequila, garlic, salt, and pepper. Close the bag and massage the ingredients together to mix.
Step 2: Add the chicken, close the bag again and squeeze all of the air out you can. Massage the marinade into the chicken. Place in the fridge for at least 2 hours, up to 4 hours.
Step 3: Preheat the air fryer to 360°F for 10 minutes. Place the chicken breasts not touching into the air fryer. Air fry 8 minutes.
Step 4: Turn them over, and air fry an additional 8 minutes. The chicken is cooked when an internal temperature reaches 165°F. If that temperature is not reached, place it in for another minute or two and check again.
Step 5: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Storage and Re-heating Notes
You can place these in a plastic baggie or an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat them in the air fryer for 3 minutes at 300 degrees or until crispy.
FAQS & Helpful Cooking Tips
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Do not marinate for longer than 4 hours or the chicken may start to cook on the edges from the acid in the marinade. If you don’t wish to use tequila just leave it out entirely, no need to substitute anything.
Does Margarita Chicken have alcohol in it?
This recipe allows for alcohol (tequila, optional) but you do not have to use it to still get a delicious flavor! Margarita mix by itself has no alcohol in it!
Is this a copycat recipe?
Yes, it is! Chili’s makes a margarita chicken dish and our air fryer version is just as good!
Try Some of Our Other Favorite Air Fryer Chicken Recipes
With just a few fresh ingredients, you can make this simple Air Fryer Margarita Chicken recipe bursting with flavor. It tastes just like chicken right off the grill but cooks in less than 20 minutes from the comfort of your own kitchen!
EQUIPMENT
- Cosori Air Fryer, 5.8 Qt
INGREDIENTS
- 1/2 cup Margarita mix
- 2 tbsp Cilantro, fresh
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Lime juice, fresh squeezed
- 2 tbsp Orange juice, fresh squeezed
- 2 tbsp Honey
- 1 tbsp Tequila, optional
- 1 tsp Garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
- 2 Chicken breasts
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a gallon-sized zipper bag add the margarita mix, cilantro, olive oil, lime juice, orange juice, honey, tequila, garlic, salt, and pepper. Close the bag and massage the ingredients together to mix.
- Add the chicken, close the bag again and squeeze all of the air out you can. Massage the marinade into the chicken. Place in the fridge for at least 2 hours, up to 4 hours.
- Preheat the air fryer to 360°F for 10 minutes. Place the chicken breasts not touching into the air fryer. Air fry 8 minutes.
- Turn them over, and air fry an additional 8 minutes. The chicken is cooked when an internal temperature reaches 165°F. If that temperature is not reached, place it in for another minute or two and check again.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
NOTES
*Cook times will vary on the size of the chicken. I make this recipe with larger breasts, so smaller ones will take less time.
*This recipe is very flavorful and it makes the chicken very tender. Do not marinate for longer than 4 hours or the chicken may start to cook on the edges from the acid in the marinade. If you don’t wish to use tequila just leave it out entirely, no need to substitute anything.
NUTRITION
Serving: 2gCalories: 353kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 24gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 72mgSodium: 821mgPotassium: 326mgFiber: 1gSugar: 32gVitamin A: 195IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 26mgIron: 1mg
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