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Want juicy, flavorful chicken in minutes? Air fryer lemon herb chicken breast is your answer. You can cook tender, zesty chicken in just 15-20 minutes using your air fryer. This easy recipe combines tangy lemon, aromatic herbs, and perfectly cooked chicken for a quick and tasty meal.
You’ll love how simple it is to make this dish. Just marinate the chicken, pop it in the air fryer, and enjoy a delicious dinner with minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a light yet satisfying meal.
Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)
Here’s what you’ll need to make juicy lemon herb chicken breasts in your air fryer:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Don’t have some of these ingredients? No worries! You can easily swap things out.
For the olive oil, try avocado or canola oil instead. No fresh lemons? Use 2 tablespoons of bottled lemon juice. Garlic powder works if you’re out of fresh garlic – use 1/4 teaspoon.
Feel free to mix up the herbs too. Rosemary, basil, or Italian seasoning blend are tasty options. You can even use fresh herbs if you have them – just double the amount.
Want to add a kick? Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or cayenne. For a sweeter touch, try a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup in your marinade.
Remember, cooking is all about making it work for you. These swaps will still give you a delicious, lemony chicken dish.
Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, mix lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs in a bowl.
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Place them in the marinade and coat well. Let them sit for 10 minutes to soak up the flavors.
Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Put the chicken in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd it.
Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The exact time depends on the thickness of your chicken.
Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. If it’s not quite there, cook for an extra minute or two.
Once done, take the chicken out and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices inside.
Serve your lemon herb chicken hot. You can garnish with fresh herbs and lemon slices if you like.
Remember to clean your air fryer after use for easy maintenance.
Tips, Tricks & Storing
For the best lemon herb chicken breast, try these tips:
Even thickness: Pound the chicken to an even thickness. This helps it cook evenly in the air fryer.
Marinate: Let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes. This adds more flavor.
Don’t overcrowd: Leave space between chicken pieces in the air fryer basket. This allows hot air to circulate.
Use a meat thermometer: Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe eating.
Rest the chicken: After cooking, let it rest for 5 minutes. This keeps the juices inside.
Add fresh herbs: Sprinkle fresh herbs on top after cooking for extra flavor.
To store leftover chicken:
- Let it cool completely
- Put it in an airtight container
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F (175°C)
You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.