Description
This Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken breasts cooked to perfection using an air fryer. Marinated in a zesty lemon and garlic mixture with herbs and olive oil, it offers a quick, healthy, and delicious meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, minced garlic, black pepper, dried basil, and dried oregano. Mix well to blend all the flavors.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Make sure each piece is well coated. Seal or cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes, ideally up to 1 hour for maximum flavor.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for about 3-5 minutes.
- Cook the chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and thorough cooking.
- Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken breasts. They should reach 165°F (75°C) to be safely cooked and juicy.
- Rest the chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender.
- Serve and enjoy: Slice and serve the juicy air fryer chicken breasts with your choice of sides or salads for a quick and healthy meal.
Notes
- For even juicier chicken, marinate for up to 1 hour but not longer to avoid texture changes due to acid.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation for crisp edges.
- Adjust cooking time slightly if chicken breasts are particularly thick or thin.
- You can substitute dried herbs with fresh herbs if preferred, but use double the quantity for fresh.
- Letting the chicken rest before slicing is critical for maximum juiciness.
