Air Fryer Lemon Chicken
This crispy and delicious Air Fryer Lemon Chicken recipe is the perfect weeknight dinner. Ready in 30 minutes, each bite is juicy and tender with a zesty lemon flavor.
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If you like quick meals, cook with your air fryer! You can make delicious recipes in just a fraction of the time. These lemon chicken thighs take only about 20 minutes in the air fryer. Perfectly crispy skin on the outside and so tender and juicy inside. Yum!
It’s no secret that I love my air fryer recipes. If I can air fryer something, I’ll do it. It’s my favorite kitchen appliance – even over the slow cooker! I know, crazy eh?
Add your favorite sides and you’ll have a dinner everyone will be raving about. It’s so simple and takes little time to make. This may become your preferred method of making chicken thighs! It’s my go-to, for sure!
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Lemon Chicken
- Made with simple ingredients
- Pairs with a variety of side dishes
- Great way to get dinner on the table quickly
- Ready in 30 minutes
- Chicken is juicy and full of flavor
- Easy air fryer recipe great for beginners
Ingredients
How to Make Air Fryer Lemon Chicken
- STEP ONE: Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Add chicken to a large mixing bowl.
- STEP TWO: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice and seasonings.
- STEP THREE: Pour lemon mixture over the chicken thighs. Rub the mixture with your clean hands all over the chicken skin.
- STEP FOUR: Place the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, skin side down. Cook at 400°F for 18 to 20 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Flip halfway through the cooking time to skin side up.
- STEP FIVE: Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices, if desired.
Scroll down for the printable recipe card with the full ingredients list and instructions.
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Tools you’ll need
These kitchen tools will help you prepare this recipe.
What to Serve with Lemon Pepper Chicken
- Roasted vegetables – Try green beans, asparagus, cauliflower or broccoli.
- Side salad
- Rice
- Mashed potatoes
- Garlic bread
Variations and Substitutions
- Add lemon zest to the mixture for an even bigger pop of lemony flavor.
- Use 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese to the seasoning mixture.
- Try fresh garlic instead of garlic powder.
- Use different cuts of chicken. Try chicken legs, chicken breasts or even boneless skinless chicken thighs.
- For some spice, add red pepper flakes.
- Use another type of oil like vegetable oil or even sesame oil.
- Add fresh herbs! I love fresh thyme or fresh rosemary.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I Freeze?
Yep! Add the cooked and cooled chicken thighs to a freezer bag. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Can I Reheat in the Air Fryer?
You sure can! Add the chicken to the air fryer basket. Cook at 350F for 6 minutes, flipping half way through at the 3 minute mark.
Tips & Tricks
- Use a meat thermometer. It’s hard to know when your chicken is completely cooked and a meat thermometer will solve that mystery in seconds. No need to cut open the chicken and lose those precious juices. You’ll want at least 165F.
- Dry your chicken. Don’t skip drying off the chicken thighs with a paper towel to remove excess moisture before you work with them. This will ensure they will nice and crispy on the outside.
- Don’t overcrowd your air fryer. Make sure to use a single layer for the chicken thighs. If you are doubling the recipe, you will need to work in batches.
FAQs about air fryer lemon chicken
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Air Fryer Lemon Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- Lemon slices and/or fresh parsley for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Add chicken to a large mixing bowl.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice and seasonings.
- Pour lemon mixture over the chicken thighs. Rub the mixture with your clean hands all over the chicken skin.
- Place the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, skin side down. Cook at 400°F for 18 to 20 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Flip halfway through the cooking time to skin side up.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices, if desired.