Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast
Description
Juicy air fryer lemon pepper chicken breast with crispy golden edges and bright citrus flavor. A fast, healthy, gluten-free weeknight dinner ready in about 25 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, (about 1.5 lb), pounded to even thickness
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest, about 1 large lemon
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1½ teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, use less if your lemon pepper blend is salted
- Fresh parsley and lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If uneven, pound to about ¾-inch thickness for even cooking.
- In a small bowl, combine the lemon zest, lemon pepper seasoning, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt.
- Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and lemon juice, then rub the seasoning blend over both sides until evenly coated. For deeper flavor, rest 15–30 minutes (optional).
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3–5 minutes. Lightly spray the basket.
- Place the chicken in a single layer without crowding. Cook at 380°F for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest 5 minutes, then garnish with parsley and lemon slices and serve.
Equipment
- Meat Thermometer
- Microplane or zester
Notes
- Doneness is about temperature, not time. Always pull the chicken at 165°F (74°C); thicker breasts may need a few extra minutes.
- No store-bought blend? Use 2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest plus 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper in its place.
- Make it a meal: Slice over salads and grain bowls, or pair with fries and a crisp veggie side.
Nutrition
Serving: 1ServingCalories: 68kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 8gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 24mgSodium: 141mgPotassium: 158mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 0.1gVitamin A: 28IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 7mgIron: 0.3mg