Description
Mediterranean zest fills this Air Fryer Lemon Chicken with bright, tangy flavors that dance across your palate. Crisp herbs and juicy chicken combine for a quick weeknight dinner you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Marinade Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, green parts only, chopped
Lemon Sauce Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare air fryer by heating to 400°F, ensuring the appliance is clean and ready for cooking.
- Marinate chicken pieces with soy sauce and sesame oil in a mixing bowl, allowing flavors to penetrate the meat thoroughly.
- Create a three-stage coating process: dust chicken with flour, dip into beaten eggs, then re-coat with a final layer of flour for a crispy exterior.
- Lightly coat air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then arrange chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Spritz chicken with additional cooking spray to enhance crispiness, then air fry for 10-12 minutes, carefully flipping pieces midway to ensure even golden-brown coloration.
- While chicken cooks, craft a zesty lemon sauce by melting butter in a saucepan, then incorporating lemon juice, sugar, chicken broth, and soy sauce.
- Bring sauce to a gentle simmer, then thicken by whisking cornstarch mixture into the liquid until it reaches a smooth, glossy consistency.
- Once chicken is perfectly crisp and cooked through, generously coat with the vibrant lemon sauce.
- Garnish with finely chopped green onions for a fresh, aromatic finish that adds color and flavor complexity.
Notes
- Chicken can be marinated beforehand for deeper flavor infusion, using herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance taste profile.
- For gluten-free option, replace wheat flour with almond or rice flour to maintain crispy coating without compromising texture.
- Adjust cooking time based on chicken piece size; smaller pieces cook faster and prevent potential dryness.
- Create lower-sodium version by using reduced-sodium soy sauce and cutting sugar quantity by half for healthier meal preparation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg