Air Fryer Chicken Breasts with Mustard Sauce
Succulent air-fried chicken breasts coated with zesty mustard and fresh dill for a flavorful meal.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Meat tenderizer
- Gallon freezer bags
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Microplane
- Juice reamer
- Meat thermometer
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts fresh
- 2 TBSP old style whole grain mustard
- 2 TBSP chopped fresh dill plus extra for garnish
- 4 garlic cloves smashed
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp cracked black pepper
- 1 lemon zested and juiced
- 2 TBSP extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Start by mixing the whole grain mustard and chopped dill in a small bowl. You will notice the fragrant aroma of the dill combined with the mustard. This mixture adds a nice zest, so do not skip it. Just be careful not to spill any while stirring!
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps the mustard sauce stick nicely later. You want the chicken to feel firm and look fresh; any moisture can hinder browning. If they are too wet, the sauce will not adhere properly.
- Sprinkle salt and cracked black pepper evenly over the chicken. You want to coat them well as this enhances the flavor. Give them a gentle rub to ensure the spices really settle in. Avoid using too much salt; it can overpower the dish.
- Scatter the smashed garlic cloves on top of the chicken and drizzle with lemon juice and zest. The garlic infuses lovely flavor while the lemon brightens it all. Just be cautious with the lemon; too much can make things overly tangy.
- Generously spread the mustard and dill mixture over each chicken breast. It should cover them well and feel a bit sticky to the touch. This coating will create a beautiful flavor profile, but do not rush; let it sit for a moment to absorb.
- Preheat your air fryer to get it ready for cooking. You will want to hear that slight whirring sound, indicating it is heating up. A hot fryer helps achieve that perfectly crisp exterior. Be sure not to skip this step; otherwise, the chicken may not cook evenly.
- Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket. They should fit comfortably without overlapping. You will want to see some space between them so they can cook evenly. Too close together can lead to uneven cooking.
- Air fry the chicken for about 10 minutes until it is cooked through and golden brown. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to wait! Make sure to check the internal temperature; overcooking can easily dry it out.
- Once cooked, take out the chicken and let it rest for a couple of minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute. Garnish with extra dill and then slice. Enjoy the crispiness and zesty flavors. Remember, cutting too soon can let the juices escape!
Notes
Store any leftovers sealed in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If using whole chicken breasts, cook for 12-16 minutes to ensure they remain tender and juicy. Avoid exceeding 2 hours of marinating to prevent the chicken from becoming too tangy. For best results, check the internal temperature before flipping to avoid overcooking. If the mustard sauce is not sticking, dredge the chicken thoroughly and let it sit before cooking. If the lemon makes the chicken too tangy, reduce lemon juice for a milder flavor.