Print

Best Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Breast Lemon Herb Recipe

air fryer chicken breast lemon herb - featured image
Print Recipe

This air fryer chicken breast with lemon and herbs is incredibly juicy on the inside with a perfectly crispy, golden crust. Ready in under 25 minutes, it’s a simple, healthy, and family-friendly weeknight dinner that will make you put away the splatter screen for good.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds total)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for spraying
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest (from about 1 large lemon)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from the same lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or ¾ teaspoon table salt)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prep the chicken: Place chicken breasts on a cutting board. If uneven in thickness, cover with plastic wrap and gently pound to about ¾-inch thick. Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels.
  2. Make the lemon herb rub: In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, dried oregano, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until it forms a fragrant paste.
  3. Coat the chicken: Add the dried chicken breasts to the bowl and use your hands to rub the seasoning all over the chicken. Let sit for 5 minutes while preheating the air fryer.
  4. Preheat the air fryer: Set air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for about 3 minutes.
  5. Arrange the chicken: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they are not touching.
  6. Air fry the chicken: Cook at 375°F for 6 minutes. Flip the chicken using tongs, then cook for another 6-8 minutes. Start checking internal temperature at 12 minutes; target 160°F (71°C) for juicy chicken or 165°F (74°C) for well-done.
  7. Rest the chicken: Transfer chicken to a cutting board, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes.
  8. Slice and serve: Slice against the grain into ½-inch thick strips and serve immediately.

Notes

Patting the chicken completely dry is the most important step for a crispy crust. Use a light hand with oil to avoid greasiness. Flip halfway through cooking for even browning. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if needed. Start checking internal temperature a few minutes early as air fryers vary. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy. For reheating, use the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, not the microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken breast, crispy chicken, lemon herb chicken, healthy chicken recipe, quick weeknight dinner, gluten-free chicken, dairy-free chicken

Find it online: https://willarecipes.com/best-crispy-air-fryer-chicken-breast-lemon-herb-recipe/