Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and stay even juicier than breasts. Adjust cooking time to about 8-10 minutes per side and ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

What if I don't have time to marinate the chicken?

While marinating enhances flavor, you can still get good results with a quick 10-minute marinade. Simply score the chicken breasts lightly with a knife to help the flavors penetrate more quickly.

My chicken breasts are very thick. Should I adjust the cooking time?

Yes, thicker chicken breasts will need more time. For pieces over 1-inch thick, add 3-5 minutes to the total cooking time, but always verify doneness with a meat thermometer.

Can I use this same marinade for grilling or baking?

Definitely! This versatile marinade works beautifully for all cooking methods. For baking, cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes. For grilling, cook over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side.

Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe

Name: Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1/2 cup lemon juice; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon salt; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Description

This air fryer chicken breast recipe is a quick and effortless way to create juicy, flavorful chicken that’s perfect for any meal. Marinated in a simple blend of lemon juice, olive oil, and aromatic herbs, this dish is cooked to perfection in an air fryer, ensuring a tender, succulent result every time. Garnish it with lemon slices and parsley for a vibrant and elegant final touch.

Ingredients

Units Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in a gallon-size resealable plastic bag. Add the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, minced garlic, black pepper, dried basil, and dried oregano. Seal the bag and shake well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 12 hours for more intense flavor.
Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (177°C) for 5 minutes.
Prepare the Air Fryer Basket:
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil spray. Remove the marinated chicken breasts from the bag, discarding any remaining marinade, and place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Cook the Chicken:
Cook the chicken in the air fryer for 12 minutes. Flip the chicken using tongs, and continue cooking for an additional 10–12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The exact cooking time will depend on the chicken’s size and thickness. To avoid overcooking, use a meat thermometer to check the temperature as cooking nears completion.
Serve:
Serve the chicken hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and a slice of lemon, if desired.

Notes

For an elegant presentation, add thinly sliced lemons or lemon wedges on top of the cooked chicken.
Garnishing with freshly chopped parsley not only improves the presentation but adds a fresh herbaceous note.
Smaller or thinner chicken breasts may require less cooking time, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
Pair this juicy chicken breast with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 Serving
Calories: 240kcal
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 860mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 7.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 115mg