Name: Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 2 large eggs, beaten; ½ cup all-purpose flour; 2 green onions, green parts only, chopped; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice; ¼ cup granulated sugar; ⅔ cup low-sodium chicken broth; 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce; 1 tablespoon cornstarch

This Air Fryer Lemon Chicken is a quick and easy way to enjoy a flavorful and healthy chicken dish. Tender chicken pieces are coated in a light and crispy batter, then tossed in a tangy lemon sauce. It’s a simple yet satisfying recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a casual meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy and Flavorful: The air fryer creates a perfectly crispy coating on the chicken, while the lemon sauce adds a bright and zesty flavor.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this dish is a breeze to prepare.
Quick and Healthy: This recipe is ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Air frying the chicken also makes it a healthier option compared to deep frying.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Air Fryer Lemon Chicken:

For the Chicken:

Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
Low sodium soy sauce: Adds a salty and umami flavor to the chicken.
Sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma and flavor.
Eggs: Beaten, used to create an egg wash for the chicken.
All-purpose flour: Creates a light and crispy coating.
Green onions: Green parts only, chopped, for garnish.

For the Lemon Sauce:

Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed, for a bright and zesty flavor.
Sugar: Granulated, adds a touch of sweetness and balances the tartness of the lemon juice.
Low sodium chicken broth: Adds flavor and moisture to the sauce.
Soy sauce: Adds a salty and umami flavor.
Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Air Fryer Lemon Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Dredging Station

Place the flour in a shallow plate and the beaten eggs in another shallow plate.

Step 2: Marinate and Dredge the Chicken

In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the soy sauce and sesame oil. Add the chicken pieces to the plate with the flour and toss to coat evenly. Transfer the floured chicken to the bowl with the beaten eggs and toss to coat. Then, transfer the chicken back to the flour and toss again to ensure a crispy coating.

Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken

Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Add the chicken pieces to the basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.¹ Spray the chicken with more cooking spray. Air fry for 12-15 minutes at 380°F (193°C), shaking the basket halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Transfer the cooked chicken to a bowl and repeat with the remaining chicken pieces if necessary.

Step 4: Make the Lemon Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, make the lemon sauce. Melt the butter in a skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the lemon juice, sugar, chicken broth, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Whisk everything together until smooth and cook until the sauce thickens.

Step 5: Toss and Serve

Pour the lemon sauce over the cooked chicken pieces and toss well to coat. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as rice, mashed potatoes, or vegetables.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use a meat thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use an instant-read meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Adjust the sauce consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a bit more cornstarch.
Season the sauce: Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, or add other spices like lemon pepper.

How to Serve Air Fryer Lemon Chicken

Main Course: This Air Fryer Lemon Chicken is a delicious and satisfying meal on its own.
With Sides: Serve it with your favorite sides, such as rice, mashed potatoes, or vegetables.
Lunchbox Friendly: Pack leftovers for a delicious and convenient lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days to prevent the chicken from becoming soggy.

Freezing:

Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:

Reheat the chicken in the oven or air fryer to maintain its crispiness. Heat the sauce separately on the stovetop or in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, but they may require a slightly longer cooking time.

Can I bake the chicken instead of air frying it?
Yes, you can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. However, the chicken may not be as crispy as the air-fried version.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour and cornstarch for dredging the chicken.

How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the marinade or the lemon sauce.

There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-make recipe for Air Fryer Lemon Chicken that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!

Stacy Corbo

Hi, I’m Stacy Corbo! From quick dinners to family favorites, I’m here to help you bring joy to the table, one recipe at a time.

Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Recipe