I swear, air fryers were made for tired moms. They take all the guesswork out of cooking, and whether you’re looking for Chicken Breast Recipes Quick, a Lemon Chicken Air Fryer recipe, or just some Crispy Snacks to tide you over while making dinner (because we all snack while cooking, don’t lie), this one’s a winner. The Lemon Herb Chicken Marinade gives it so much flavor, and the air fryer locks in all that juicy goodness—no dry, sad chicken here!
So if you’re tired of staring into the fridge, hoping dinner just magically appears (same), this Easy Air Fryer Chicken Breast recipe is gonna save you. It’s simple, delicious, and works for everything—serve it with veggies, throw it in a salad, or just eat it straight off the plate like my kids do. Let’s get cooking!
What You’ll Need
Here’s what we’re working with—nothing fancy, just simple ingredients that come together magically.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional, but adds BIG flavor)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp paprika (optional, but makes it look pretty)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Step 1: Mix Up That Marinade
Grab a bowl and whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Now, take a second to breathe in that lemony, herby goodness. Smells amazing, right? Almost spa-like… if you ignore the screaming children in the background.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Plop your chicken breasts into the marinade and coat them well. If you have a whole 10 minutes, let them sit and soak up the flavor.
If you’re super organized and planned ahead (teach me your ways), you can let them marinate for up to 2 hours in the fridge. But let’s be honest—I’m usually marinating this while my air fryer preheats.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat setting, just let it run for about 3 minutes.
And if you forgot to preheat? No worries, I forget all the time and everything still turns out fine. Air fryers are basically mom-proof.
Step 4: Air Fry That Chicken
Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. DO NOT overcrowd it—give those babies some space to crisp up!
Set the timer for 10 minutes. When it beeps, flip the chicken over and cook for another 6-8 minutes, until the internal temp hits 165°F (75°C).
No meat thermometer? Just cut into the thickest part—if it’s white and juicy, you’re golden. If it’s pink? Give it another couple minutes and try again.
Step 5: Let It Rest (Seriously, Don’t Skip This)
Once the chicken is done, pull it out and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
I know, I know. The kids are circling the kitchen like hungry wolves, but TRUST ME—this keeps the juices inside and makes it super tender. If they must eat something immediately, toss them a handful of baby carrots and stall.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Slice it up and serve with your favorite sides! This chicken pairs well with:
– Rice or quinoa
– Roasted veggies
– Mashed potatoes
– Stuffed into a sandwich (my go-to lazy dinner hack)
Or, you know… just eat it straight off the plate before you even sit down. No judgment here.
FAQs: Air Fryer Lemon Herb Chicken Breast
How long does it take to cook chicken breast in an air fryer?
It takes about 16-18 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Flip it halfway through, and always check that the internal temp reaches 165°F (75°C) before serving.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yep! If you’re anything like me and always forget to thaw chicken, don’t worry. Just add 5-7 extra minutes to the cook time and check the internal temp to make sure it’s fully cooked. Pro tip: If you can, run the frozen chicken under cold water for a few minutes to help it cook more evenly.
How do I keep my air fryer chicken breast from drying out?
Two words: Marinate & Rest. The Lemon Herb Chicken Marinade locks in flavor and moisture, and letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking keeps it juicy.
Do I have to use lemon?
Technically no, but it adds a bright, fresh flavor that makes this recipe shine. If your kids (or picky spouse) aren’t lemon fans, swap it for a little balsamic vinegar or even a splash of orange juice for a different twist.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This is one of my go-to Easy Chicken Breast Recipes for meal prep. Cook it up, store it in the fridge for up to 4 days, and use it for salads, wraps, or sandwiches. You can even freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months.
Air Fryer Lemon Herb Chicken Breast Recipe Card
Air Fryer Lemon Herb Chicken Breast
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp paprika optional
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Mix Marinade:
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and seasonings.
Coat Chicken:
- Add chicken breasts and coat well. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes (or up to 2 hours).
Preheat Air Fryer:
- Set to 375°F (190°C) and let it warm up for a few minutes.
Cook:
- Place chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes, flip, and cook for another 6-8 minutes until the internal temp is 165°F (75°C).
Rest & Serve:
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite sides!
Notes
- Want extra crispy edges? Lightly spray the chicken with oil before air frying.
- No air fryer? Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Leftovers? Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months!
The Best Air Fryer Chicken Breast recipe that’s quick, easy, and doesn’t leave your kitchen looking like a disaster zone. This Lemon Herb Chicken Breast is seriously one of my go-to Delicious Chicken Dinners, especially on those nights when I just can’t with complicated meals. (You know, the nights where the kids are fighting over the last fruit snack and you’re hiding in the pantry for a moment of peace.)
The Lemon Herb Chicken Marinade gives it so much flavor, and the air fryer does all the work—no babysitting a skillet or preheating the whole oven. Whether you need Easy Chicken Breast Recipes for meal prep, a healthy option for dinner, or just some Crispy Snacks to munch on (because let’s be honest, sometimes I make this just for myself), this recipe checks all the boxes.
So next time you’re staring into the fridge, wondering what to do with that pack of Air Fryer Chicken Breast Boneless, give this a try. It’s hands-down one of the Best Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipes I’ve ever made, and it’s so easy, even my husband (who considers cereal a full meal) can handle it.
If you try this Easy Lemon Chicken Recipe, let me know how it turns out! Did your kids actually eat it, or did they request PB&J instead? Either way, you cooked dinner, and that’s a win in my book.
