Name: Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 lemon, zested and juiced; 1 tsp cracked black pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)

Description

This Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken breasts infused with fresh lemon zest and juice, flavorful cracked black pepper, and garlic powder. Perfectly cooked in just 30 minutes using the air fryer, it’s an easy and healthy meal option that yields a golden brown and deliciously seasoned chicken every time.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Marinade

2 tbsp olive oil
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1 tsp cracked black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat, ensuring an evenly cooked chicken.
Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, cracked black pepper, garlic powder, salt, and dried thyme if using. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
Coat the chicken: Use a brush to evenly coat each chicken breast with the lemon pepper marinade, making sure all surfaces are covered for maximum flavor.
Arrange in the air fryer basket: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer inside the air fryer basket to allow for even cooking and crisping.
Cook the chicken: Air fry the chicken breasts for 18-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is golden brown on the outside.
Rest before serving: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute for tender, juicy bites.

Notes

For best results, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are similar in size to ensure even cooking.
Flipping the chicken halfway through cooking helps achieve an even golden brown crust on both sides.
You can substitute dried thyme with other herbs like rosemary or oregano if preferred.
To add extra flavor, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes before cooking if time allows.
Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safely cooked.