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Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 41 reviews
  • Author: Mary
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating)
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Total Time: 58 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean-American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Air Fryer Lemon Chicken is a quick and healthy dish featuring juicy, marinated chicken breasts infused with bright lemon, garlic, and Mediterranean spices. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight meal, it uses the air fryer to achieve a tender and slightly crispy texture with minimal oil.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Marinade

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

For Serving

  • lemon wedges
  • fresh parsley, chopped


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into a resealable bag or shallow dish, then pour the marinade over them, ensuring the chicken is well coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours to deepen the flavors.
  3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 375°F and allow it to preheat while the chicken marinates.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and arrange them in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook for 16–18 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through to ensure even cooking, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Rest and Serve: Let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. Slice and serve garnished with lemon wedges and fresh parsley.

Notes

  • For extra juiciness and richer flavor, substitute chicken breasts with boneless skinless chicken thighs.
  • This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, steamed rice, or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
  • Leftover chicken is delicious in wraps, sandwiches, or grain bowls for a quick lunch option.