Craving a quick and delicious meal? These lemon pepper air fryer chicken breasts are your answer! In just 30 minutes, you can have tender chicken on the table that’s bursting with bright, zesty flavors.
Preparation and Marination
Before cooking, it’s essential to properly prepare the chicken for marination. Patting the chicken breasts dry helps the marinade adhere better, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
Mixing olive oil with seasonings creates a flavorful marinade that infuses the chicken. Letting the chicken soak in the mixture for at least 15 minutes allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, making every bite burst with zest.
Cooking in the Air Fryer
Preheating the air fryer is a vital step that promotes even cooking. At around 380°F (190°C), the chicken breasts cook to perfection, becoming crispy outside while remaining juicy inside.
Arranging the chicken in a single layer within the basket ensures that hot air circulates freely, achieving that desirable crispiness. Flipping the breasts halfway through the cooking time allows for uniform browning and temperature consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, enhancing the overall tenderness.
Garnishing with fresh lemon slices and parsley not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the dish’s fresh flavors. Pairing the chicken with colorful roasted vegetables creates a beautiful and inviting plate.
Nutritional Benefits
This dish is not just about great taste; it also packs a nutritional punch. With lean protein content and minimal carbohydrates, it serves as a healthy option for those watching their diet.
Flavorful Lemon Pepper Chicken Breasts
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Lemon slices for garnish (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and place them in a large bowl.
- Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and lemon juice. Mix well.
- Marinate the Chicken: Pour the marinade over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are evenly coated. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for more flavor.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Arrange the marinated chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh parsley before serving.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 200kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 1g