Description
This Air Fryer Lemon Chicken recipe offers a delightful twist on classic lemon chicken by using an air fryer for a crispy, healthier finish. The chicken is marinated, double-dredged in flour and egg for extra crunch, air-fried to perfection, and then tossed in a tangy lemon sauce made with fresh lemon juice, chicken broth, and a hint of sweetness. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a quick and flavorful meal perfect for dinner any night of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 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
Sauce and Garnish
- 2 green onions, green parts only, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- â…” cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Prepare Dredging Stations: Set up two shallow dishes—place the flour in one and the beaten eggs in the other. This will be used for coating the chicken.
- Marinate and Dredge Chicken: Toss the chicken pieces with soy sauce and sesame oil to marinate. Then, coat each piece by dredging it first in flour, dipping into the beaten eggs, and finally coating again with flour for a double layer of crust.
- Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer—avoid overcrowding. Spray the chicken lightly with cooking spray and air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crispness.
- Make Lemon Sauce: While the chicken cooks, melt the unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice, granulated sugar, chicken broth, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Whisk continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
- Toss and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked and crispy, pour the lemon sauce over it and toss gently to coat all pieces evenly. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra zest, add lemon zest to the sauce before thickening.
- Ensure the chicken pieces are similar in size for even cooking.
- Use low-sodium ingredients to control salt level in the dish.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer to keep chicken crispy.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or a fresh green salad.
