Air-Fried Lemon Chicken: A Quick, Tasty Recipe

Air fryers are a great way to make crispy, crunchy, juicy, and tender chicken with minimal cleanup. This paragraph will introduce you to the topic of how to make lemon chicken in an air fryer, a delicious and healthy dish that can be served with a variety of sides and is perfect for busy weeknights.

Lemon chicken marinade

Lemon chicken is a delicious, healthy, and versatile dish that can be made in an air fryer with minimal preparation and clean-up. Here is a detailed guide on creating a marinade for juicy and tender lemon chicken:

Ingredients:

• Chicken: For this recipe, you can use chicken thighs, breasts, or a combination of both. Bone-in, skin-on chicken is recommended for maximum juiciness and crispiness.
• Olive Oil: Olive oil is the preferred choice for its flavour and health benefits. Avocado oil or vegetable oil are also good alternatives.
• Lemon: Fresh lemons are key. Both the juice and halves of the lemon will be used for an extra citrus kick.
• Spices: A combination of Italian herb seasoning (oregano, thyme, basil, rosemary), salt, pepper, and garlic will be used to create a well-rounded flavour profile. Feel free to adjust and experiment with the amounts to suit your taste preferences.
• Optional Ingredients: For an extra kick of lemon, you can add lemon zest to your marinade. Additionally, you can include soy sauce and sesame oil for an Asian-inspired twist on the classic lemon chicken.

Instructions:

• Prepare the chicken by patting it dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture will help the skin crisp up during cooking.
• In a large bowl or plastic bag, combine all the ingredients for the marinade: olive oil, lemon juice, spices, and any optional ingredients you choose. Whisk or shake well to ensure everything is mixed properly.
• Add the chicken to the marinade, ensuring that each piece is evenly coated. You can use a brush to spread the marinade on the chicken, or simply use your hands to rub it in.
• Cover the bowl or seal the bag, and let the chicken marinate. For best results, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to an hour. If you're in a hurry, you can let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to absorb some of the flavours.
• Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. You don't need to dry the chicken completely, but it shouldn't be dripping with oil.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, making sure the pieces are not crowded and have some space between them.
• Cook the chicken for about 8 minutes, then remove the basket and flip the chicken pieces over.
• Continue cooking for an additional 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a digital meat thermometer to check for doneness.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer, and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy and tender chicken.

Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and spices to make the recipe your own! This lemon chicken marinade is a great base for a delicious and healthy meal prepared in your air fryer.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The temperature and timing for your air fryer lemon chicken will depend on the type of chicken you are cooking with.

Chicken Thighs

For chicken thighs, you will want to set your air fryer to between 350-400°F (190-200°C). If your air fryer does not go as high as 400°F, then 350°F will also work. You will want to cook your chicken thighs for 8 minutes, and then flip them and cook for another 6 minutes. Check the temperature of your chicken with a digital thermometer. You are looking for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Depending on the heat of your air fryer, this process should take between 13-18 minutes.

Chicken Breasts

For chicken breasts, you will want to set your air fryer to 350°F. Place the chicken breasts in the basket and cook for 15 minutes. Then, turn the chicken and cook for another 5-8 minutes. You are looking for an internal temperature of 165°F. This process should take between 20-25 minutes.

Chicken Wings

For chicken wings, you will want to set your air fryer to 385°F. You will want to air fry for 18-20 minutes. Check the temperature of your chicken with an instant thermometer. You are looking for an internal temperature of 165°F.

Chicken Drumsticks

For chicken drumsticks, you will want to set your air fryer to 370°F. You will want to air fry for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check the temperature of your chicken with an instant thermometer. You are looking for an internal temperature of 165°F.

Chicken preparation

Pat the Chicken Dry:

Start by using paper towels to pat the chicken breasts or thighs dry. This step helps remove any excess moisture from the surface of the chicken, ensuring that the skin crisps up nicely during cooking.

Prepare the Marinade:

In a large bowl or a plastic bag, add the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic (if using), rosemary (if using), and any other seasonings you prefer. You can also include soy sauce and sesame oil for an Asian-inspired flavor profile. Whisk or shake the ingredients to combine them well.

Coat the Chicken:

Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring that they are evenly coated on all sides. You can use a brush to baste the chicken with the marinade or simply toss the pieces in the bowl or bag. If you have time, let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to overnight. This step helps infuse the flavors into the meat, making it more juicy and tasty.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Set your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 350°F to 400°F (180°C to 200°C). Preheat the air fryer for about 5-10 minutes to ensure it reaches the right temperature for cooking.

Prepare the Air Fryer Basket:

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with a non-stick cooking spray or brush it with a small amount of oil. This step ensures that the chicken doesn't stick to the basket and makes cleanup easier.

Place the Chicken in the Air Fryer:

Arrange the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not crowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches. Lightly spray or brush the chicken pieces with more cooking spray or oil to promote even cooking and crisping.

Air Fry the Chicken:

Close the air fryer and cook the chicken for the recommended time, which can range from 8 minutes to 25 minutes, depending on the size and type of chicken pieces you are using. For bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, aim for a higher temperature of around 380°F to 400°F for 18-22 minutes. For boneless, skinless chicken breasts, a lower temperature of 350°F is recommended for about 15-20 minutes.

Flip and Cook Again:

To ensure even cooking and crisping, it's important to flip the chicken pieces halfway through the cooking process. After flipping, continue air frying for the remaining time or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Rest and Serve:

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy and tender chicken. Finally, serve the lemon chicken with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.

Lemon sauce

Ingredients:

• Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the sodium levels in your sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is best for a vibrant, zesty flavour.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar will add a touch of sweetness to balance the tartness of the lemons. Adjust the amount to your taste preferences.
• Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content and enhance the savoury notes in the sauce.
• Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to add a savoury, umami boost to the sauce.
• Cornstarch: Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, helping to give your lemon sauce a smooth, silky consistency.

Instructions:

• Melt the butter in a skillet or pan over medium heat.
• Add the lemon juice, sugar, chicken broth, soy sauce, and cornstarch to the melted butter.
• Whisk the ingredients together vigorously to combine them evenly.
• Cook the mixture until it reaches your desired thickness and smoothness. Stir continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
• Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add salt and pepper or other spices like lemon pepper to enhance the flavour.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, slowly add small amounts of cornstarch while whisking until you achieve the desired consistency.
• Pour the lemon sauce over your air-fried chicken pieces and toss to coat them evenly.

Your lemon sauce is now ready to serve! It's as simple as that. This bright and tangy sauce will complement the juicy, crispy air-fried lemon chicken perfectly. Enjoy your homemade creation!

Serving suggestions

Salads and Veggies

Air fryer lemon chicken pairs well with a fresh salad, especially one with lots of veggies. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables, cauliflower rice, or steamed vegetables.

Rice and Pasta

White rice is a go-to pairing, but you can also serve the chicken with pasta, gnocchi, or brown rice.

Potatoes

Roasted baby potatoes or french fries are a great side dish for this chicken.

Sauces

Lemon chicken can be served with a lemon sauce, or a garlic butter sauce.

Frequently asked questions