Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken
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!
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.
Notes
Substitutions: Use chicken thighs for a richer flavor. If you don't have lemon pepper seasoning, mix lemon zest, black pepper, salt, and a pinch of sugar. Variations include adding red pepper flakes for spice, ensuring gluten-free seasoning, or substituting tofu for a vegan version.