Air-Fried Lemon Pepper Chicken: A Zesty, Quick Treat!

Air fryers are a quick and convenient way to cook chicken breasts with a lemon pepper flavour. The cooking time will depend on the wattage of your air fryer, but generally, it should take between 15 and 20 minutes at 385°F/196°C. You can use lemon pepper seasoning, lemon juice, olive oil, and other seasonings to flavour the chicken. Some recipes also include a marinade, which can be left on the chicken for up to overnight.

Choosing the right chicken breasts

Freshness and Quality:

Start by choosing fresh, high-quality chicken breasts from a reputable source. Look for chicken breasts with a pinkish-white colour and avoid any with discolouration or an off-putting odour. Ensure the package is undamaged and check the "best before" date to guarantee freshness.

Size and Thickness:

Select chicken breasts that are of a suitable size for your air fryer. They should fit comfortably in the air fryer basket or tray with some space around them for even cooking. Opt for chicken breasts that are of uniform thickness to ensure consistent cooking. If you find thicker cuts, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Bone-in or Boneless:

You can choose between bone-in or boneless chicken breasts. Bone-in chicken breasts tend to have more flavour and moisture, but they will take longer to cook. Boneless chicken breasts are more convenient and cook faster but may dry out more quickly. Decide which option aligns with your preferences and cooking time constraints.

Skin-on or Skinless:

Chicken breasts with the skin on can add flavour and crispiness to your dish. The skin helps keep the meat moist during the cooking process. However, skinless chicken breasts are a healthier option as they have less fat. If you opt for skin-on chicken breasts, you can remove the skin before serving if desired.

Quantity:

Plan the quantity of chicken breasts based on the number of servings you need. As a guide, a typical chicken breast weighing around 200-250 grams (7-9 ounces) will be sufficient for one person. Adjust the number of chicken breasts accordingly to ensure you have enough for everyone at your table.

Storage and Preparation:

When you get your chicken breasts home, store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook. Place them on a plate or container with a lid to avoid any contamination from other foods. If you want to prepare the chicken breasts in advance, you can season them and place them in an airtight container or ziplock bag to marinate for a more intense flavour.

Remember to follow proper food safety guidelines when handling raw chicken. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling the chicken, and ensure all utensils and surfaces that come into contact with the raw chicken are cleaned and sanitised to prevent cross-contamination.

By considering these factors, you'll be able to choose the right chicken breasts for your lemon pepper chicken air fryer recipe, ensuring a delicious and successful outcome.

Marinating the chicken

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need chicken breasts, lemon pepper seasoning, salt (optional), olive oil or avocado oil, and fresh lemon juice. If your lemon pepper seasoning does not contain salt, you can add some to taste. You can also add other seasonings like Italian seasoning, granulated garlic, granulated onion, paprika, or garlic powder to enhance the flavour.

Next, prepare the chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is important as it helps the chicken develop a crispy skin during cooking. Place the chicken breasts in a large bowl or a plastic bag.

Now, it's time to make the marinade. In a separate small bowl, combine the lemon pepper seasoning, salt (if needed), and any other seasonings you wish to add. Then, pour olive oil or avocado oil and lemon juice over the chicken breasts. Mix everything well to ensure that all the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the marinade. You can use your hands or a brush to ensure the marinade is evenly distributed.

Once the chicken is coated, generously sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken breasts, making sure both sides are well-coated. You can also place the chicken in a baking sheet with aluminium foil and then sprinkle the seasoning mixture over it.

After the chicken is seasoned, you can choose to let it marinate for about 30 minutes to an hour. However, if you are short on time, you can cook it right away. Allowing the chicken to marinate for a longer period, or even overnight, will result in more intense flavours.

Once the marinating is complete, you can proceed to cook the chicken breasts in your air fryer, following the instructions provided by your air fryer model for the best results.

Preparing the air fryer

Firstly, it is important to preheat your air fryer. Set the temperature to between 350-400°F (180-200°C) and preheat for about 3-5 minutes. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, simply turn it on to the desired temperature for 5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and helps to crisp up the skin of the chicken.

Next, you'll want to prepare the chicken breasts. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is important as it helps the skin crisp up during cooking. You can then season the chicken breasts generously with your chosen spices and herbs. This might include lemon pepper seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, or even a small amount of baking powder for extra crispness. You can also marinate the chicken breasts in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, and spices for 30 minutes to overnight for extra flavour and tenderness.

Once your chicken is prepared and your air fryer is preheated, it's time to arrange the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave some space between each breast to allow for even cooking and crisping. Do not overcrowd the basket as this will affect the cooking process.

Now you're ready to start cooking! Place the basket in the air fryer and set the temperature to 350-400°F (180-200°C). The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken breasts and the wattage of your air fryer, but a good rule of thumb is to cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping the breasts halfway through. For an extra crispy finish, increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 5-10 minutes of cooking.

Finally, always use a meat thermometer to check that your chicken is cooked through. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the breast; it should read an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safe to eat.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to perfectly cooked lemon pepper chicken breasts with a juicy interior and crispy exterior!

Cooking the chicken

First, pat the chicken dry and place it in a large bowl. Add the olive oil and lemon juice, then mix until the chicken is evenly coated. In a separate bowl, mix the lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Generously coat both sides of the chicken with the seasoning blend. You can let the chicken marinate for 30 minutes or even overnight for more intense flavour.

When you're ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to between 360 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, ensuring the pieces aren't crowded together. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts. Halfway through the cooking time, flip the chicken to ensure even cooking. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

For extra crispiness, finish the chicken in the air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.

Serving suggestions

Lemon pepper chicken breast cooked in an air fryer goes well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Pasta: Lemon pepper chicken pairs well with pasta, especially a simple garlic butter pasta.
• Salad: A fresh salad can complement the flavours of the chicken and provide a healthy side dish.
• Roasted vegetables: Roasted veggies, such as cauliflower, are a great option to serve alongside the chicken.
• Potatoes: You can serve the chicken with roasted baby potatoes or potato fries.
• Rice: Lemon pepper chicken goes well with rice, including brown rice and cilantro lime rice.
• Quinoa: This healthy grain can be a delicious and nutritious side dish.
• Bread: Consider serving the chicken with garlic bread or even a pita to soak up the juices.
• Sauteed greens: Some sauteed zucchini or green beans can add a healthy and tasty element to the meal.
• Mushrooms: Try serving the chicken with a creamy mushroom sauce or some sauteed mushrooms on the side.
• Carbs: While the recipe is keto and low-carb-friendly, you can also serve it with carbs like pasta, rice, or gnocchi.

Frequently asked questions