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Air Fryer Lemon Herb Chicken Breasts

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Boneless chicken breasts marinated in a bright lemon-herb olive oil mixture, then air fried until golden outside and juicy inside. Ready in under an hour with minimal prep.

Ingredients

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  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–8 oz each)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves)
  • 1/2 tsp dried rosemary, crushed
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Whisk olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes together in a bowl or zip bag. Add chicken breasts and turn to coat. Marinate at room temperature for 20–30 minutes, or refrigerate up to 8 hours (bring to room temperature 15 minutes before cooking).
  2. Preheat air fryer to 380°F for 3–4 minutes.
  3. Remove chicken from marinade and let excess drip off. Place breasts in the basket in a single layer with space between each piece. Spray each piece lightly with olive oil.
  4. Air fry at 380°F, flipping halfway through: 12 minutes for thin 4–5 oz cutlets, 16 minutes for 6 oz breasts, or 20 minutes for 7–8 oz large breasts.
  5. Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer — chicken is done at 165°F. Pull at 163°F if using a fast-read thermometer, as carryover cooking will finish it during resting.
  6. Rest chicken for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Don’t overcook: Pull the chicken at 163°F — carryover heat brings it to the safe 165°F during the rest. Cooking past 165°F causes dry, chalky texture.

Even thickness matters: Pound thick spots with a mallet or butterfly and fold to prevent thin ends from drying out before the thick end cooks through.

Resting is non-negotiable: Wait the full 5 minutes before slicing or moisture will run out.

Frozen chicken: Cook at 360°F for 18–22 minutes without marinating; season well right before cooking.

Bone-in breasts: Cook at 370°F for 25–30 minutes; verify 165°F away from the bone.

Find it online: https://airfrycentral.com/air-fryer-lemon-herb-chicken-breasts-light-and-juicy/