Description
Juicy, tender air fryer chicken breasts seasoned with herbs and served with a bright lemon herb butter sauce. This quick 15-minute dinner is perfect for busy weeknights and guarantees moist results every time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680g)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Place between plastic wrap or in a bag and pound to an even ¾-inch thickness.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Rub mixture all over the chicken.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 6 minutes, then flip. Cook for another 6-9 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove chicken from air fryer, tent with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes.
- While chicken rests, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Remove sauce from heat. Stir in fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt.
- Slice chicken if desired and drizzle generously with the warm lemon herb butter sauce. Serve immediately.
Notes
Pounding the chicken to an even thickness is crucial for uniform cooking. Do not skip the resting step, as it allows juices to redistribute. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F without overcooking. For the sauce, keep heat low to prevent butter separation.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast wit
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Protein: 35
Keywords: air fryer chicken, juicy chicken breast, lemon herb butter sauce, quick dinner, weeknight meals, healthy chicken recipe, gluten-free dinner