Lemon pepper chicken breast in the air fryer is one of my favorite ways to make chicken breast when I want something simple but still full of flavor. The lemon pepper seasoning gives the chicken a bright, savory flavor, and the air fryer makes it easy to get dinner on the table.
I usually serve it with vegetables, rice, potatoes, or a simple salad. It is an easy chicken dinner that works well for busy weeknights.
The zesty lemon pepper seasoning on the outside gets nicely crisp, while the inside stays juicy which is key if you want to keep chicken breast juicy in the air fryer every time.
WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- It's simple but doesn't taste boring
- The chicken stays juicy (not dry and stringy)
- You probably already have everything for this
- Works for quick dinners or meal prep
- The flavor is fresh, not heavy
Helpful Tips For Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast
Use chicken breasts that are close in size.
The chicken cooks more evenly when the pieces are similar in thickness. If one breast is much thicker than the others, it will usually need more time.
Do not rely only on the timer.
Air fryer models can cook differently, and chicken breasts are not always the same size. I start checking the thickest piece with a meat thermometer before the timer ends instead of assuming every piece will cook the same.
Give the chicken a few minutes to rest.
Resting before slicing helps keep more of the juices in the chicken instead of on the cutting board.
Watch the salt in your lemon pepper seasoning.
Some lemon pepper blends already contain salt. I always check the label before adding more so the chicken does not end up too salty.
Season both sides evenly.
Lemon pepper is the main flavor in this recipe, so I make sure both sides of the chicken are evenly coated before it goes into the air fryer.
For the base cooking method, see my air fryer chicken breast guide.
How long to cook lemon pepper chicken breast in an air fryer
It takes around 20 minutes at 380°F to cook lemon pepper chicken air fryer; however, the exact timing will depend on the size of your chicken breast and on which air fryer you have.
When cooking chicken, always use a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the meat to check that it has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
Ingredients you'll need to make lemon pepper chicken breast.
**Find the full list of ingredients and exact measurements in the recipe card below.**
- Chicken breast: Try to use similar sizes so they cook evenly
- Lemon pepper seasoning: Some already have salt, so check before adding more
Olive oil: Just a little helps with texture and flavor - Paprika. Choose paprika, smoked paprika (for a rich smoky flavor), or hot paprika (for added spice).
Getting the seasoning right makes all the difference, especially if your chicken has ever come out bland.
Tools used to make the recipe.
"As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases"
- Small bowl (to mix the seasoning)
- Large bowl (to season the chicken)
- Air fryer
- Meat thermometer
How to cook lemon pepper chicken breast in air fryer
Combine the lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in a small bowl. Set aside
Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and place them in a large bowl; rub the olive oil and the lemon pepper seasoning mixture on both sides.
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook to 380ºF for 20 minutes turning halfway through or until an instant meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part reaches 165ºF. Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
Pat the chicken dry first.
If the chicken is wet, it can steam instead of getting that light crust on the outside.
Use a little oil.
A small amount helps the seasoning stick and keeps the chicken from drying out.
Flip it halfway through cooking.
This helps the chicken cook more evenly on both sides.
Watch the thickness, not just the time.
Thicker chicken breasts usually need more time. I start checking the thickest piece first instead of relying only on the timer.
Let it rest before slicing.
A few minutes of resting helps keep more of the juices in the chicken.
Helpful Chicken Breast Resources
- How to Keep Chicken Breast Juicy in the Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Chicken Breast
- Chicken Breast Temperature Guide
What to serve with lemon pepper chicken breast
This easy lemon pepper chicken breast is terrific served with creamy instant pot mashed cauliflower and crisp air fryer green beans for a low-carb meal that's packed full of flavor.
Other delicious sides you can make in the air fryer are:
- Cauliflower tots in the air fryer
- Japanese sweet potatoes air fryer
- Air Fryer Baby Carrots
- Air Fryer acorn squash
- Easy Air Fryer Eggplant
How to store leftover chicken breast
When storing leftover air fryer lemon pepper chicken breast, always be sure to get it into the fridge or freezer within 2 hours of cooking; this helps to ensure that bacteria can't grow.
Seal your chicken into an airtight container or zip lock bag and store in the fridge for 3-4 days and the freezer for 3-4 months.
How to reheat chicken in the air fryer
To reheat lemon pepper air fryer chicken, preheat the air fryer to 360°F and then air dry for 6 to 8 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Be sure to flip it once during cooking to ensure it heats evenly.
If you are heating from frozen, you will need to increase the time by 10 minutes.
FAQ's
Chicken breast usually dries out when it cooks too long. I start checking the thickest piece before the timer ends and remove it once it reaches 165°F.
Yes. Homemade lemon pepper seasoning works well in this recipe. Just keep in mind that some homemade blends may have less salt than store-bought versions.
Yes. I flip the chicken halfway through cooking so both sides cook more evenly.
I usually serve it with vegetables, rice, potatoes, or a simple salad. It also works well sliced for wraps and bowls.
More Lemon Pepper Recipes
- Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs
- Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings in Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Drumsticks
More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes you'll love
- Air Fryer Pecan Crusted Chicken Breast
- Air Fryer Grilled Chicken Breasts
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Air Fryer
- BBQ Chicken Breast in The Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs
- Chicken Fajitas in Air Fryer
- Buffalo Chicken Breast In Air Fryer
Please, do not forget to subscribe and follow us on Instagram and Pinterest. for more healthy recipes and ideas. Thank you for reading Enjoy Clean Eating!
Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast Air Fryer Recipe
This lemon pepper chicken breast Air Fryer recipe is savory, tart and peppery, deliciously tender, and juicy. Simple and absolutely delicious!
Ingredients
- 2 (9 ounces) Chicken breasts
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Tools Used
Instructions
- In a small bowl combine the lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Set aside
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and place in a large bowl, rub the olive oil and rub the lemon pepper seasoning mixture on both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook to 380ºF for 20 minutes turning halfway through or until an instant meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part reaches 165ºF. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning.
- Use chicken breasts that are close in size for more even cooking.
- Flip the chicken halfway through cooking.
- Start checking the thickest piece before the timer ends.
- Chicken is ready when the thickest part reaches 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Check your lemon pepper seasoning for salt before adding extra.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 78Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 650mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 1gSugar: 0gProtein: 1g
Please keep in mind that the nutritional information is calculated using a nutrition facts calculator. It is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on products used. When the recipe list salt to taste the amount of salt is not calculated, only the sodium in the other ingredients is calculated.
