Name: Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1/2 cup lemon juice; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon salt; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This juicy air fryer chicken breast is full of flavor while being incredibly easy to make. The marinade, which includes zesty lemon juice, aromatic garlic, and a blend of dried herbs, infuses the chicken with delicious taste and moisture. The air fryer helps cook the chicken quickly and evenly, locking in all those juices, so you end up with a perfectly cooked, succulent chicken breast every time. Plus, it’s a healthier option than traditional frying but still has that deliciously crispy exterior.

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Place the chicken breasts in a gallon-size resealable plastic bag. Add the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, minced garlic, black pepper, basil, and oregano. Shake the bag to coat the chicken evenly.
Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 12 hours.
Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes at 350°F (177°C).
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil spray. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it in the air fryer basket, discarding the remaining marinade.
Cook the chicken for 12 minutes, then flip it and cook for another 10 to 12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Serve hot, optionally garnished with freshly chopped parsley and a slice of lemon.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Marinating Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Variations

Spicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or paprika to the marinade for a spicy kick.
Honey Garlic Chicken Breast: Substitute 1 tablespoon of honey for the olive oil in the marinade to add a touch of sweetness and a hint of caramelization.
Lemon Herb Chicken: Add a tablespoon of fresh lemon zest to the marinade for a more intense citrus flavor.
Parmesan Crusted Chicken: After marinating, coat the chicken in grated Parmesan cheese before air frying for a crispy, cheesy crust.
BBQ Chicken Breast: Swap out the marinade ingredients for your favorite BBQ sauce to create a smoky, sweet flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, but the air fryer will help retain the crispy texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use boneless skinless chicken thighs for a juicier option. Adjust the cooking time as needed, as thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.

2. Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

Yes, preheating the air fryer helps ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and gets that crispy exterior.

3. Can I cook frozen chicken breasts in the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken breasts in the air fryer. Increase the cooking time by about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, and check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F.

4. Can I marinate the chicken for longer than 12 hours?

It’s best to marinate chicken for no longer than 12 hours, as the lemon juice can start to break down the chicken, making it mushy. 30 minutes to 2 hours is ideal.

5. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C).

6. Can I cook more than 4 chicken breasts at once?

Yes, you can cook more chicken breasts in the air fryer, but be sure not to overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches if necessary to allow the chicken to cook evenly.

7. Can I make this recipe without olive oil?

Yes, you can substitute the olive oil with a different oil, such as avocado oil or canola oil, if you prefer.

8. Can I add vegetables to the air fryer along with the chicken?

Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus to the air fryer, but be sure to cut them into similar sizes to the chicken for even cooking. Adjust the cooking time as needed.

9. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs?

Yes, you can substitute fresh herbs for dried ones. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as you would dried herbs. For example, use 3 teaspoons of fresh oregano for 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.

10. How do I make the chicken more crispy?

For extra crispy chicken, lightly spray the chicken with cooking oil spray just before cooking. You can also bread the chicken by dipping it in breadcrumbs before air frying.

Conclusion

Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast is a quick, easy, and flavorful way to prepare chicken. The air fryer ensures that the chicken stays moist and juicy while developing a beautiful golden crust. With a simple marinade of lemon, garlic, and herbs, this recipe is packed with fresh and savory flavors. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or using it in meal prep, this air fryer chicken breast is sure to become a family favorite!