Description
This Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast recipe delivers flavorful, tender chicken breasts marinated in a zesty lemon and herb mixture, then cooked to perfection using an air fryer. It’s a quick, healthy, and easy method to enjoy moist chicken without the need for breading or frying, perfect for a wholesome family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Marinade
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Garnish
- 1 medium lemon, thinly sliced or cut into wedges
- Freshly chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: Place the chicken breasts in a gallon-size resealable plastic bag. Add lemon juice, olive oil, salt, minced garlic, black pepper, dried basil, and dried oregano. Seal the bag and shake well to evenly coat the chicken with the marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Refrigerate the bag with the chicken and marinade for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to deeply infuse, or up to 12 hours for maximum taste.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (177°C) and let it preheat for 5 minutes to ensure even cooking temperatures for the chicken.
- Prepare the Chicken for Cooking: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil spray to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and place them in the basket in a single layer. Discard any leftover marinade.
- Cook the Chicken: Air fry the chicken breasts for 12 minutes, then flip each breast using tongs and continue cooking for another 10 to 12 minutes. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) with a meat thermometer to confirm doneness and avoid overcooking.
- Serve: Serve the chicken breasts hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and lemon wedges or slices for added flavor and visual appeal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for longer than 30 minutes intensifies the flavor and tenderness.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely without drying out.
- Lightly spraying the air fryer basket prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
- The air fryer cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts.
- For extra zest, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken just before serving.
