Air Fryer Pollo Asado Recipe

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Air Fryer Pollo Asado is juicy, flavorful, and perfect for a quick and easy meal. With a blend of citrus juices, smoky spices, and juicy chicken, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any night of the week. Plus, it’s so simple to make, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner!

Inside the black air fryer basket, three pieces of pollo asado rest, boasting a rich, golden-brown hue with a visible layer of spices. The succulent chicken stands out against the partially visible light-colored cloth in the background.

This air fryer pollo asado recipe skips the heavy oils and sticks to wholesome, vibrant ingredients like citrus juices, fresh cilantro, and lean, flavorful chicken. Using the air fryer means less oil and faster cooking without sacrificing that golden, crispy finish. Personally, I love how it transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish, all while being kind to your waistline.

Contents hide

1 ❤️ Why you will love this recipe

2 🗝️ Key ingredients & substitutions

3 🥣 How to make pollo asado in the air fryer

4 🪄 Recipe notes & tips

5 🫙 Storage instructions

6 ✨ Variations

7 🍽️ What to serve with this recipe

8 ❓ Frequently asked questions

9 😋 More air fryer chicken recipes you will love

10 📖 Recipe

❤️ Why you will love this recipe

Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, so it’s perfect for busy nights.
Juicy & Flavorful: The marinade keeps the chicken tender and packed with flavor.
Pantry-Friendly: Made with simple ingredients you probably already have.
Versatile: Works in tacos, rice bowls, salads, or even on its own.
Healthier Choice: Minimal oil and the air fryer make this a guilt-free treat.

🗝️ Key ingredients & substitutions

Overhead view of ingredients for a chipotle pollo asado recipe. Includes chicken thighs, lime juice, orange juice, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, coriander, salt, pepper, oil, onion, garlic, cilantro and chipotles in adobo.

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are my go-to for juicy meat, but chicken breasts or bone-in thighs work too.
Citrus Juices: Lime and orange juice bring brightness. Lemon can replace the lime if needed.
Chipotles in Adobo: Adds smoky heat. Swap with chili powder or smoked paprika for less spice.
Fresh Cilantro: Boosts the earthy flavor. If you’re not a fan, parsley can work.
Spices: Cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika build that savory flavor.
Onion & Garlic: Essential for depth. Don’t skip these!
Olive Oil: A small amount helps the marinade stick. Use avocado oil if you prefer.

🥣 How to make pollo asado in the air fryer

Blend the Marinade: Toss lime juice, orange juice, chipotle peppers, garlic, onion, cilantro, and spices into a blender or food processor. Blend for 2–3 minutes until it forms a smooth paste.
Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken and marinade to a ziplock bag or airtight container. Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is best for big flavor.

Ingredients in a food processor bowl: sliced red onion, garlic cloves, chipotles in adobo sauce, fresh cilantro, and various spices.

Food processor bowl containing pollo asado marinade, finely chopped and blended mixture.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Set it to 180°C/356°F and let it heat up while you get the chicken ready.
Load the Basket: Place the marinated chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd—it needs room to crisp up!
Cook: Air fry for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until the internal temperature hits 71°C/160°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Raw marinated pollo asado chicken pieces are placed inside an air fryer basket, ready for cooking. The air fryer temperature dial is visible at the top of the image.

Close-up of cooked, seasoned pollo asado pieces in an air fryer basket.

Rest & Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to lock in the juices. Then slice it up and serve however you like!

A bowl of sliced pollo asado on a bed of rice, topped with shredded cheese, guacamole, and a dollop of sour cream.

🪄 Recipe notes & tips

Check the Temp: An instant-read thermometer is your best friend for perfectly cooked chicken.
Room Temp Chicken: Let the chicken sit out for 10 minutes before cooking for even results.
Marinate Longer: More time = more flavor, so prep the night before if you can.
Batch Cooking: If you’re making a lot, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Resting Is Key: Resting after cooking keeps the chicken extra juicy and tender.

🫙 Storage instructions

Fridge: Store leftover air fryer chicken asado in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Reheat: Warm it in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes or until heated through.
Freezer: Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.
Repurpose: Use leftovers in quesadillas, burritos, or salads for easy meal prep.

✨ Variations

Spice Level: Dial up the heat with extra chipotles or a sprinkle of chili flakes. Prefer mild? Cut back on the chipotles.
Grill It: No air fryer? Fire up the grill for a smoky, charred version.
Different Cuts: Use bone-in thighs or even a whole chicken—just adjust cooking time.
Citrus: Try adding a splash of grapefruit juice for a unique citrusy flavor.
Herb Swap: No cilantro? Parsley or a mix of fresh oregano works well.

🍽️ What to serve with this recipe

Grains & Sides: Cilantro lime rice, Mexican rice, instant pot rice, or warm flour tortillas.
Beans & Veggies: Refried beans, black beans, grilled corn or sautéed peppers.
Toppings: Fresh cilantro and lime wedges, avocado slices or guacamole, salsa or pico de gallo.
Complete Meals: Rice bowls with beans and veggies, keto chipotle bowls with cilantro lime radish rice, guacamole, and cheese, or tacos with your favorite toppings. Egg wraps or lettuce wraps are a great grain-free replacement for tortillas.

❓ Frequently asked questions

Can I use store-bought pollo asado marinade?

Yes! It’s a time-saver, but homemade gives you better control over flavor and spice.

Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?

Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
Absolutely! You can bake it, grill it, or pop it in a cast iron skillet or pan on the stove. Check out this copycat chipotle pollo asado recipe for instructions.

Close-up of crispy pollo asado pieces with a seasoned coating inside an air fryer basket. The chicken is golden brown with visible spices and a slightly oily texture.

😋 More air fryer chicken recipes you will love

Have you made this recipe? I’d love to know <3 Tag me (@makehealthyrecipes) on Facebook and Instagram, Pin it on Pinterest, and please give it 5 stars with a review below! Don’t forget to subscribe to the email list (top right of this page) for sparkly new recipes in your inbox.

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