Are you tired of dry, bland chicken that leaves you disappointed at dinnertime? Get ready to transform your cooking game with this mouthwatering Lemon Pepper Chicken Air Fryer recipe that promises restaurant-quality flavor in just 35 minutes! Imagine biting into a juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken breast with a crispy exterior that's bursting with zesty lemon and bold pepper notes - all made effortlessly in your air fryer. This recipe is about to become your new weeknight dinner hero, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Remove chicken breasts from refrigerator and pat dry completely with paper towels to ensure crispy exterior.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt. Whisk ingredients together to create a marinade.
- Place chicken breasts into the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Let marinate for 15-20 minutes at room temperature to enhance flavor absorption.
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Ensure basket is clean and lightly sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
- Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Place chicken breasts in air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching each other for even cooking.
- Cook chicken for 10-12 minutes, then carefully flip each piece using tongs to ensure uniform browning.
- Continue cooking for additional 10-13 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Once cooked, remove chicken from air fryer and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Garnish with additional fresh lemon zest or chopped parsley if desired, then serve hot.
Tips
- Pat the chicken completely dry before marinating to ensure a crisp, golden exterior that will make your taste buds dance.
- Don't skip the marinating step - those 15-20 minutes are crucial for deep flavor penetration and tender meat.
- Never overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leaving space between chicken breasts ensures even cooking and that coveted crispy texture.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) - no dry chicken here!
- Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your meat incredibly moist and flavorful.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest or chopped parsley just before serving to brighten the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 110mg