This Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Chicken is a quick, juicy, and flavor-packed dinner that feels fresh and comforting at the same time. With bright lemon, savory garlic, and smoky spices, this easy air fryer chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or healthy meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with fresh lemon garlic flavor
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Simple ingredients you already have
- Family-friendly and meal-prep approved
- Healthy, high-protein, and halal-friendly
Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil olive or vegetable oil can be substituted
- 3 teaspoons lemon juice
- Zest from 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika regular paprika can be substituted
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 –3 cloves garlic finely minced or grated
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (8 oz each), trimmed
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 370°F.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together avocado oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic.
- Add the chicken breasts and turn to coat well. Let them marinate while the air fryer finishes preheating.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray. Place chicken inside, leaving space between each piece.
- Cook for 10 minutes, flip the chicken, then continue cooking for 5–7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Remove chicken, tent loosely with foil, and rest for 5–7 minutes. Carryover cooking will bring it to 165°F.
- Garnish and serve warm.
- This Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Chicken stays incredibly juicy thanks to resting time and even air circulation.
Notes
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil (olive or vegetable oil can be substituted)
- 3 teaspoons lemon juice
- Zest from 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (regular paprika can be substituted)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2–3 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (8 oz each), trimmed
Garnishes (optional):
- Lemon zest
- Lemon wedges
- Minced fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 370°F.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together avocado oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic.
- Add the chicken breasts and turn to coat well. Let them marinate while the air fryer finishes preheating.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray. Place chicken inside, leaving space between each piece.
- Cook for 10 minutes, flip the chicken, then continue cooking for 5–7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Remove chicken, tent loosely with foil, and rest for 5–7 minutes. Carryover cooking will bring it to 165°F.
- Garnish and serve warm.
This Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Chicken stays incredibly juicy thanks to resting time and even air circulation.
Tips & Tricks
- Pound chicken evenly for uniform cooking
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for heat
- Fresh garlic delivers the best flavor
- Always rest chicken before slicing
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary: Gluten-free, dairy-free, halal-friendly
Notes
- Substitute chicken thighs if preferred
- Serve over rice, salad, or roasted vegetables
- Leftover chicken is great in wraps or bowls
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fat: 14g
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless thighs work well but may need 2–3 extra minutes.
Do I need to marinate longer?
Not necessary, but 30 minutes enhances flavor.
What air fryer size works best?
Any standard 4–6 quart air fryer works perfectly.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a thermometer and aim for 165°F after resting.
Can I make this dairy-free and gluten-free?
It already is naturally dairy-free and gluten-free.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months
- Reheating: Reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes
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Conclusion
This Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Chicken proves that simple ingredients can create big flavor. It’s healthy, quick, and endlessly versatile, making it a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.