Description
A quick and juicy weeknight dinner featuring boneless, skinless chicken breasts cooked in an air fryer with a flavorful lemon herb butter mixture. Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–8 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If uneven, pound thicker ends to achieve uniform 1/2-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk softened butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, dried parsley, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Place chicken in the air fryer basket without overlapping. Brush the top of each breast with half of the lemon herb butter mixture.
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3 minutes if recommended. Cook chicken for 15-18 minutes.
- At the 8-minute mark, flip the chicken and brush with the remaining lemon herb butter mixture.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (74°C). Cook 2-3 more minutes if needed.
- Remove chicken and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving. Drizzle with any remaining juices.
Notes
Ensure chicken breasts are pounded to uniform thickness for even cooking. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation. Letting the chicken rest is crucial to retain juices. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil or dairy-free alternative.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast wit
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Protein: 35
Keywords: air fryer chicken, lemon herb chicken, healthy dinner, quick weeknight meals, juicy chicken breast, gluten-free dinner