Air Fryer Lemon Herb Chicken Breast

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 lemon (zest and juice)
• 2 garlic cloves, grated (optional)
• 1 tsp mixed herbs (optional)
• ½ tsp paprika (optional)
• 1 tbsp butter, to finish (optional)
• 1 tbsp oil, salt, pepper

Steps

1. Pound or butterfly the chicken breasts to an even 2 cm thickness so the thin end doesn't dry out before the thick end cooks through.
2. In a bowl, mix the oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, paprika, salt and pepper.
3. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, working it into every surface.
4. If you have 10 minutes to spare, let the chicken sit at room temperature so the salt and citrus start working into the meat.
5. Preheat the air fryer and lay the breasts in a single layer.
6. Air fry at 185°C for 9 minutes.
7. Flip and air fry another 9 minutes (18 minutes total), then check with a thermometer in the thickest part - you're looking for 74°C.
8. If it's not quite there yet, give it another minute or two rather than trusting the clock, since breast thickness varies a lot between birds.
9. Rest the chicken for 5 minutes before slicing so the juices redistribute instead of running out onto the board.
10. Top with a little butter for shine and richness, then serve.

Tip: Even thickness is what stops the thin end drying out before the thick end cooks.

🖨 Print Recipe

Nutrition (per serving)

Estimated from standard ingredient data — actual values vary by brand and exact quantities used.

Serving & Storage