Description
This Air Fryer Lemon Chicken recipe delivers a tangy and crispy dish perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner. Tender chicken pieces are marinated, coated, and air fried to golden perfection before being tossed in a zesty lemon sauce with a hint of sweetness and umami. The fresh green onions add a bright finish to this healthy, easy-to-make meal.
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—one with all-purpose flour and the other with the beaten eggs. These stations will be used to coat the chicken pieces for a crispy and even crust.
- Marinate and Dredge Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce and 1 teaspoon sesame oil to evenly coat and infuse flavor. Then, dredge each piece in the flour, dip into the beaten eggs, and coat again in flour to create a double layer of breading.
- Air Fry Chicken: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer, spray them lightly with cooking spray, and air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Make Lemon Sauce: While the chicken cooks, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, ¼ cup granulated sugar, ⅔ cup low-sodium chicken broth, 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Whisk continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth, about 3-5 minutes.
- Toss and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked and crispy, pour the warm lemon sauce over the chicken pieces and gently toss to coat them evenly. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately while hot and fresh.
Notes
- To ensure even cooking, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.
- Adjust the sugar in the sauce to taste if you prefer it more or less sweet.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best bright and tangy flavor.
- This recipe can be doubled or halved easily based on servings needed.
- If you prefer a gluten-free version, substitute flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
