Are you bored of dry, flavourless chicken breasts? You’re not alone. A common protein in many kitchens, chicken sometimes lacks moisture and flavour. But what if you could cook chicken in a quarter of the time and get perfectly cooked, juicy chicken with a zesty flavour explosion? Presenting the air fryer’s magic and the mouthwatering blend of garlic and lemon.
This Lemon Garlic Air Fryer Chicken Breasts dish is revolutionary, not just another midweek supper choice. It produces dependably great results and is quick and simple. Bid farewell to bland, rubbery chicken and welcome to a filling, nutritious lunch that will have everyone requesting more.
Reasons to Love Air Fryer Chicken Breasts:
Quick Cooking: When compared to conventional techniques, the air fryer significantly cuts down on cooking time. Ideal for hectic weeknights!
Juicy and soft: The heated air that circulates inside the air fryer retains moisture, making the chicken breasts wonderfully soft.
Flavour That Pops: The savoury garlic and the zesty, lemony notes of lemon combine to create a delicious flavour profile.
Minimal Effort: Even inexperienced chefs may master this dish because it just calls for a few basic ingredients and little preparation time.
Healthy Option: This is a light and nutrient-dense dinner since air frying uses a lot less oil than traditional frying.
Versatile: It may be served with quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad.
The Key to Taste: Garlic and Lemon
The flavour combination of lemon and garlic is definitely the recipe’s star. In addition to adding brightness to the meal, the lemon’s acidity serves as a natural tenderiser, keeping the chicken moist. Naturally, garlic adds that delectable savoury depth that we all want.
What You’ll Need:
- 9 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 9/16 cup olive oil
- 6¾ cloves garlic, minced
- 4½ Juice of
- 2¼ Zest of
- 2¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- 2¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- 2¼ teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Step 1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined to create the marinade.
Step 2
Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavour.
Step 3
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
Step 4
Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
Step 5
Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping to ensure even cooking.
Step 6
Cook the chicken breasts in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Step 7
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices and keeps the chicken tender.
Step 8
Serve the lemon garlic chicken breasts with your favourite side dishes, garnished with fresh herbs or lemon wedges if desired.
Success Advice:
Avoid packing the air fryer too full. If required, heat in batches to provide uniform cooking and the best possible browning.
To make sure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature, use a meat thermometer.
Taste and adjust seasonings: If you want a little heat, feel free to add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Try using other herbs, such as paprika, rosemary, or even a little smoked paprika, to create distinctive flavour profiles.
Serve right away: Fresh chicken from the air fryer is the best.
Lemon Garlic Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
Ingredients
- 9 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 9/16 cup olive oil
- 6¾ cloves garlic minced
- 4½ Juice of
- 2¼ Zest of
- 2¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- 2¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- 2¼ teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined to create the marinade.
Step 2
- Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavour.
Step 3
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
Step 4
- Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
Step 5
- Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping to ensure even cooking.
Step 6
- Cook the chicken breasts in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Step 7
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices and keeps the chicken tender.
Step 8
- Serve the lemon garlic chicken breasts with your favourite side dishes, garnished with fresh herbs or lemon wedges if desired.
