Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: Cut into 1-inch bite-sized cubes. Choose chicken breasts that are plump and firm for the best texture.
- 1/4 cup Fresh Lemon Juice: Provides the signature zesty flavor and helps tenderize the chicken. Freshly squeezed juice is highly recommended for the brightest taste.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: Adds moisture and richness, and helps the seasonings adhere to the chicken. Extra virgin olive oil offers the best flavor and health benefits.
- 2 cloves Garlic: Minced finely. Garlic provides a pungent, savory base note that complements the lemon beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano: Adds a warm, slightly peppery and aromatic Mediterranean flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme: Offers a subtle earthy and slightly minty flavor, enhancing the overall herb profile.
- 1 teaspoon Paprika: Adds a mild smoky sweetness and vibrant color to the chicken bites. You can use smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients and is crucial for seasoning the chicken properly. Adjust to taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a sharp, pungent bite that balances the other flavors. Adjust to taste.
- Optional: 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish. Adds a fresh, vibrant green color and a mild herbaceous note when serving.
- Optional: Lemon Wedges: For serving. Extra lemon wedges allow for an extra squeeze of fresh lemon juice for those who love a more intense lemon flavor.
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Begin by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch bite-sized cubes. Ensure the pieces are roughly the same size for even cooking in the air fryer. Place the chicken cubes in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
- Make the Marinade: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until all ingredients are well combined and emulsified. This marinade is key to infusing the chicken with bright, zesty flavor.
- Marinate the Chicken: Pour the lemon marinade over the chicken cubes in the mixing bowl. Toss the chicken thoroughly to ensure that each piece is evenly coated in the marinade. For the best flavor, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. If you have more time, you can marinate it for up to 2 hours for an even more intense flavor. Do not marinate for longer than 2 hours, as the lemon juice can start to break down the chicken protein and affect the texture.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is essential for ensuring the chicken cooks quickly and evenly, and achieves that desirable crispy exterior. Refer to your air fryer’s manual for specific preheating instructions, as some models preheat automatically.
- Arrange Chicken in Air Fryer Basket: Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully arrange the marinated chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can steam the chicken instead of frying it and prevent it from getting crispy. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Air fry the lemon chicken bites for 10-12 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through cooking, around the 6-minute mark. The exact cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the size of the chicken cubes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature at the thickest part of a chicken bite to ensure it is safely cooked.
- Check for Doneness: After 10-12 minutes, check the chicken for doneness. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C). If the chicken is not yet cooked through, continue to air fry for another 1-2 minutes, checking every minute until done.
- Rest and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove the air fryer basket and transfer the lemon chicken bites to a plate or serving platter. Allow the chicken to rest for a minute or two before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, for a pop of fresh color and flavor. Serve immediately while hot and crispy. Offer lemon wedges on the side for those who like an extra burst of lemon flavor. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 35 grams