Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Chicken Breast
Delicious and easy air fryer chicken breast with lemon and garlic.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Large Bowl
- Small bowl
Ingredients
- 680 grams boneless skinless chicken breast (24 oz)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (5 g)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (6 g)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (2 g)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (45 ml)
Instructions
- Start by giving your chicken breasts a light rinse and then pat them dry with paper towels. You want them to feel nice and clean. This helps the oil and seasonings stick better. Be careful not to leave too much moisture, as it will affect the seasoning adherence.
- Drizzle olive oil over the chicken, then sprinkle sea salt, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and minced garlic on top. Rub the seasonings into the chicken, feeling the textures blend. You will smell that garlic kick right away. Avoid skipping any seasoning spots to ensure every bite is flavorful.
- Next, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the seasoned chicken. You should see a nice shimmer from the oil and lemon. The juice not only adds brightness but helps tenderize the chicken too. Just make sure not to use too much, as it can overpower the other flavors if you pour recklessly.
- Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You want to hear that sizzle as they go in. Cook for about 15 minutes, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Do not overcrowd the basket, as that can lead to uneven cooking.
- Once the cooking is done, take the chicken out and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. It should feel slightly firm. This waiting game is key as it helps the juices redistribute, so you will not bite into dry chicken. Avoid cutting too soon, or you will lose all that juicy goodness!
Notes
Monitor cooking time closely to prevent drying out. Chicken is done when cooked through and golden brown. For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you find the chicken is dry after cooking, adjust the cooking time to around 12-15 minutes to help maintain moisture. If your air fryer has varying cooking times, check internal temperature around 145 degrees F to ensure proper doneness. Store chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.