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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Breast with Lemon Herb Marinade

air fryer chicken breast with lemon herb marinade - featured image
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This crispy air fryer chicken breast with lemon herb marinade delivers juicy, tender meat with a shatteringly crispy exterior, all in under 30 minutes. Inspired by a beloved local Greek restaurant, this recipe is a weekly staple that makes any weeknight feel special.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large lemons, juiced and zested (about ¼ cup juice plus 1 tablespoon zest)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–8 ounces each)
  • Olive oil spray
  • Fresh lemon wedges (for serving, optional)
  • Fresh parsley or oregano, chopped (for serving, optional)
  • Flaky sea salt (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk together until the salt is mostly dissolved.
  2. Marinate the chicken. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, turning to coat each piece thoroughly. Cover or seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (2-4 hours for best flavor, no more than 8 hours).
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
  4. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Pat lightly with a paper towel if overly wet. Place chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, not touching.
  5. Lightly spritz the tops of the chicken breasts with olive oil spray.
  6. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes. Do not open the air fryer during this time.
  7. Carefully flip the chicken breasts using tongs. Spray the other side lightly with oil. Cook for another 6-10 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes.
  9. Slice against the grain into ½-inch thick slices. Sprinkle with fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon juice, and flaky sea salt if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, marinate at least 2 hours. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Let chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing. Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness without overcooking. If you don’t have an air fryer, bake at 425°F on a wire rack for 20-25 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken, lemon herb chicken, crispy chicken breast, Mediterranean chicken, quick chicken dinner, healthy chicken recipe

Find it online: https://cheerycrisp.com/crispy-air-fryer-chicken-breast-with-lemon-herb-marinade/