I’ve made all kinds of air fryer recipes with chicken—from Air Fryer Chicken Fillets to Crispy Chicken Recipes to those little Air Fryer Chicken Tenders my kids insist on dipping in way too much ketchup. But this Lemon Garlic Chicken Air Fryer version? It’s my go-to. It’s tangy, garlicky, and just the right amount of crispy on the outside. Plus, it feels kinda fancy even though I did basically nothing.
And don’t even get me started on marinating chicken breast. I love a good Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast Air Fryer situation, but I do not have time to wait hours for flavor to soak in. This recipe? No long marinating required—just mix, coat, and air fry. Boom. Easy Airfryer dinner for the win.
So if you need a no-fuss Air Fryer Dinner that tastes like you put in way more effort than you actually did, this Garlic Air Fryer Lemon Chicken is it. Let’s get cooking before someone asks me for yet another snack.
What You Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this magic happen:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or however many you need to feed your crew)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or butter if you’re feeling indulgent)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (fresh is great, but bottled works too—we don’t do food snobbery here)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (or a spoonful from the jar because we’re busy people)
- 1 tsp salt (season generously, always)
- ½ tsp black pepper (to balance out the lemony goodness)
- ½ tsp paprika (adds a tiny kick and a nice golden color)
- ½ tsp dried oregano (or Italian seasoning, whatever’s closest in the spice drawer)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Dry the Chicken (Sounds Weird, But Trust Me)
Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. I know it feels like an unnecessary step, but this helps it get that nice golden color instead of steaming in its own juices. And no one wants sad, pale chicken.
Make the Flavor Magic
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. It’ll smell amazing already. Pour this goodness all over the chicken and rub it in like you’re giving it a mini spa day.
Air Fry Like You Know What You’re Doing
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C)—or don’t. Honestly, I forget half the time and it still turns out fine. Pop the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Set the timer for 10 minutes. When it beeps, flip the chicken and cook for another 6-8 minutes until the internal temp hits 165°F (75°C).
Let It Rest (If You Can Wait)
Take the chicken out and let it sit for 5 minutes before slicing. I know, I know. The kids are already asking, “Is it ready yet??” But trust me—letting it rest keeps it juicy and delicious.
FAQs About Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Chicken
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yep! Just add a few extra minutes to the cook time and make sure the internal temp hits 165°F (75°C). Oh, and if they’re frozen together in one big icy chicken brick, you’ll need to separate them first—unless you enjoy playing tug-of-war with frozen poultry.
Do I need to marinate the chicken?
Nope! I love a good marinating chicken breast moment, but this recipe is all about speed. The lemon garlic goodness soaks in fast, so a quick rub-down is all you need. If you do have time to marinate (like, miracle of miracles), 30 minutes will give you even more flavor.
Can I make this with chicken tenders or fillets?
Yes! Air Fryer Chicken Fillets and Air Fryer Chicken Tenders work great. Just reduce the cook time to about 8-10 minutes total, flipping halfway. Keep an eye on them so they don’t dry out!
Can I double the recipe?
Sure! Just make sure the chicken isn’t overlapping in the air fryer basket. If it’s too crowded, cook in batches. Nobody likes soggy chicken.
What’s the best way to keep my chicken juicy?
Two things:
Don’t overcook it—use a meat thermometer and pull it out at 165°F.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before cutting into it. I know it’s hard, but patience = juicy chicken.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Pop it back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes or microwave it (but we both know the air fryer is better).
Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe Card
Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Chicken Breasts
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice fresh or bottled
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
Instructions
Prep the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Coat with olive oil.
Make the Seasoning Mix
- In a small bowl, mix together lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Rub all over the chicken.
Air Fry It
- Place chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 380°F (190°C) for 10 minutes. Flip and cook for another 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temp reaches 165°F (75°C).
Let It Rest
- Remove from the air fryer and let it sit for 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
- Over a fresh salad
- With rice or quinoa
- In a sandwich or wrap
- Paired with roasted veggies
Storage & Reheating
- Store: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Air fry at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
I’ve tried a ton of Air Fryer Recipes with Chicken—from Air Fryer Chicken Fillets to Air Fryer Chicken Tenders to a classic Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast Air Fryer situation. But this Lemon Garlic Chicken Air Fryer version? It’s got that perfect balance of tangy, garlicky goodness without needing hours of marinating chicken breast (because let’s be honest, I never remember to do that ahead of time).
So, if you’re looking for an Easy Airfryer meal that actually delivers on flavor, this one’s for you. Serve it over salad, stuff it in a wrap, pair it with rice—whatever works. Just know that once you try this Garlic Air Fryer Chicken, it might just become your go-to airfryer dinner.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go break up a fight over who gets the last piece. (Spoiler: It’s me. Mom always wins. )
