These Easy Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Chicken Breasts are juicy, tender, and bursting with bright lemon and savory garlic flavors. Ready in minutes, they make a quick, healthy dinner that pairs perfectly with any side.

Juicy lemon garlic chicken breast cooked in the air fryer, golden brown and seasoned.
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This Easy Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Chicken Breast is a game-changer for quick, flavorful dinners.

Marinated in zesty lemon juice, garlic, and a touch of olive oil, these chicken breasts come out juicy on the inside with a perfectly golden exterior.

It’s simple enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests, making it a versatile recipe that pairs well with salads, roasted veggies, or rice.

Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Chicken Breast cooked golden brown, juicy inside, garnished with fresh lemon slices and herbs.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

  • Juicy, tender chicken every time thanks to quick air fryer cooking.
  • Bursting with bright, zesty lemon and savory garlic flavor.
  • Minimal ingredients and prep, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Crispy on the outside while staying soft and moist inside.
  • Pairs effortlessly with sides like rice, salad, or roasted veggies.

If you are looking for even more Air Fryer Chicken Recipes, some of my favorites are AIR FRYER HEALTHY BUFFALO CHICKEN, AIR FRYER ITALIAN DRESSING CHICKEN, AIR FRYER POLLO ASADO CHICKEN, and AIR FRYER NAKED CHICKEN TENDERS.

Ingredients Needed

Ingredients needed for Easy Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Chicken Breast on kitchen table.
  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast – tender, juicy, lean chicken perfect for quick cooking
  • Olive Oil – rich, smooth oil for cooking and flavoring chicken
  • Lemon Juice – fresh, zesty citrus juice to brighten and tenderize
  • Fresh Lemons – ripe lemons for juice and garnish, extra flavor
  • Minced Garlic – finely chopped garlic adds bold, savory flavor punch
  • Italian Seasoning – blend of herbs for aromatic, classic Italian taste
  • Red Pepper Flakes – spicy flakes for a subtle heat kick
  • Salt & Black Pepper – essential seasoning for balanced, flavorful chicken

How To Make Easy Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Chicken Breast

Chicken breasts in a large bowl coated with olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper, ready to marinate.

Step One: In a large bowl, combine the chicken breasts, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat the chicken evenly, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors infuse.

Easy Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Chicken Breast recipe – juicy, tender, and full of zesty lemon and savory garlic flavor. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Step 2: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Place the marinated chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Set the air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F (air fryer setting) and set cook time for 10-12 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F before removing.

Step 4: Plate the chicken, garnish if desired, and enjoy immediately.

late the chicken, garnish if desired, and enjoy immediately.

Easy Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe Tips

  • Marinate for Flavor: Let the chicken soak in the lemon-garlic marinade for at least 30 minutes. For even more flavor, marinate up to 2 hours.
  • Even Sizing Matters: Cut or pound chicken breasts to roughly the same thickness for uniform cooking.
  • Check Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F for safe eating.
  • Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in a single layer in the air fryer basket for crisp edges and even cooking.
  • Extra Zest: Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice after cooking for a bright, fresh flavor.

Storing Instructions

  • Refrigerate: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze: Wrap tightly in foil or place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–6 minutes for best texture, or microwave until warmed through.
Plate of juicy Easy Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Chicken Breast on kitchen table.

Easy Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe Faqs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well. Cook a few minutes longer if they are thicker than breasts.

Do I need to marinate the chicken? Marinating for at least 30 minutes enhances flavor, but you can cook immediately if short on time.

Can I freeze this chicken? Absolutely. Cooked chicken can be frozen up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.

How do I reheat it without drying it out? Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–6 minutes or in the microwave with a splash of water to keep it juicy.

Can I double the recipe? Yes, but cook in batches in the air fryer to ensure even cooking and browning.

Boneless lemon garlic chicken breasts cooking in a greased air fryer basket, ready to turn golden brown and juicy.

More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes

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Easy Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Chicken Breast

Easy Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Chicken Breast

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings

Description

Crispy, juicy Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Chicken Breast cooked perfectly in an air fryer basket. Quick, flavorful, and ready in minutes for an easy weeknight meal.

Ingredients 

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts,
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/3 teaspoon Red pepper chili flakes
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, combine the 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/2 cup lemon juice, 1 tablespoon lemon zest minced 1 teaspoon garlic, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/3 teaspoon Red pepper chili flakes, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Toss to coat the chicken evenly, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors infuse.
  • Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  • Place the marinated chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Set the air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F (air fryer setting) and set cook time for 10-12 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F before removing.
  • Plate the chicken, garnish if desired, and enjoy immediately.

Equipment

  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 259kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 24gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 72mgSodium: 716mgPotassium: 468mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 96IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 21mgIron: 1mg

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