Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken: The Easiest Weeknight Dinner!
Craving a flavorful, healthy, and incredibly easy dinner? This Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe is about to become your new go-to! Forget messy pans and long cooking times. This recipe delivers juicy, perfectly cooked chicken in under 30 minutes. It’s so simple, even the kids can help, and it’s a guaranteed family pleaser. Get ready for a burst of zesty lemon and peppery goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy: Uses minimal oil for a healthier take on fried chicken.
- Flavorful: The combination of lemon and pepper is simply irresistible.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this crispy and flavorful chicken.
- Versatile: Serve with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
- Easy Clean Up: Air fryer cooking means less mess!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Substitutions:
- Chicken: Use chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
- Lemon Pepper Seasoning: If you don’t have any, mix together lemon zest, black pepper, salt, and a pinch of sugar.
How to Make Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking in the air fryer.
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken cubes, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. Longer marinating will enhance the flavor!
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating helps the chicken cook evenly and get crispy.
- Arrange the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding, as this will steam the chicken instead of frying it. You may need to cook in batches.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure safety!
- Serve & Enjoy: Remove the Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken from the air fryer and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and chopped parsley for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Don’t Overcrowd: Cooking in batches is key to crispy chicken. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of frying.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. You might want to add more lemon pepper or garlic powder.
Variations:
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure your lemon pepper seasoning is gluten-free.
- Vegan: Sub with cubed tofu for a vegan version, increasing cook time as needed.
Serving Suggestions
This Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with some tasty side dishes. Here are a few ideas:
- Steamed broccoli with parmesan cheese
- Quinoa salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and feta
- Roasted potatoes with herbs
- A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Rice pilaf
Storage & Reheating
Storage: Store leftover Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: The best way to reheat the chicken is in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but it may not be as crispy. You can also use these chicken pieces with some crockpot meals or as an easy healthy dinner
FAQ about Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: It’s best to use thawed chicken for this recipe. Frozen chicken will release too much moisture and won’t get crispy in the air fryer. For an easy air fryer meals recipe, thawing first gets the best results.
Q: How do I make cheap dinners for a family using this recipe?
A: Buy chicken breasts in bulk and cut them into smaller pieces. Serve with inexpensive sides like rice and beans or pasta. This recipe is perfect for budget-friendly air fryer recipes!
Q: Can I add vegetables to the air fryer with the chicken?
A: Yes! Add vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or onions during the last 5-7 minutes of cooking for an easy weeknight dinners.
Q: What if I don’t have an air fryer?
A: You can bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through. But the air fryer is great for air fry food and gives it an unmatchable texture!
Final Thoughts on Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken
This Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken is a game-changer for busy weeknights. It’s quick, easy, healthy, and incredibly flavorful. You really are only minutes away from an easy healthy dinner. Whether you’re looking for air fry recipes or just a simple meal the whole family will love, this recipe is a winner! Pin this recipe to your favorite Pinterest board for easy access. Don’t forget to leave a comment letting me know how yours turned out and subscribe to my blog for more delicious and easy recipes!
Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken
Equipment
- Air Fryer,
- Meat thermometer
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking in the air fryer.
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken cubes, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. Longer marinating will enhance the flavor!
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating helps the chicken cook evenly and get crispy.
- Arrange the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding, as this will steam the chicken instead of frying it. You may need to cook in batches.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure safety!
- Serve & Enjoy: Remove the Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken from the air fryer and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and chopped parsley for extra flavor and visual appeal.
