I also have a beautiful air-fryer chicken fajita recipe here that comes together very quickly!
Sometimes I need something quick, flavorful, and high in protein for dinner that doesn’t feel heavy.
This lemon air-fried chicken is exactly that.
The chicken comes out crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and full of zesty lemon flavor.
It’s one of those meals that my partner, who has high protein needs as an athlete, loves because it’s simple yet satisfying.
The air fryer makes it so much easier and healthier than pan-frying.
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Tips to make it extra tasty
- For extra crispiness, pat the chicken dry before marinating.
- Add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese before cooking for a richer flavor.
- Use a digital meat thermometer like this one on Amazon to make sure your chicken reaches 165°F inside.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes (or overnight in the fridge) for maximum flavor.
Lemon Air-Fried Chicken
Course: Lunch, DinnerDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes18
minutesIngredients
1 ½ lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 teaspoon lemon zest
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Lemon wedges, for serving
Directions
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Toss well until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap too much.
- Cook for 16–18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the basket, garnish with parsley or chives, and serve hot with extra lemon wedges.
- This works as a snack too and it’s very healthy.
Variations & Substitutions
- Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat.
- Add chili flakes to the marinade if you like a spicy kick.
- Substitute lime juice and zest for lemon for a tangy twist.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, bake at 400°F for 22–25 minutes, flipping once.
This is one of those back-pocket meals that works for pretty much any night.
It’s quick, healthy, and flexible enough to fit your cravings.
Plus, using the air fryer cuts down on the mess and keeps the chicken super juicy while giving those veggies the perfect char.
Here are a few more recipes you may enjoy:
