Lemon Herb Air Fried Chicken Breasts (Keto)

Craving crispy, juicy chicken with a zesty kick but trying to keep things low-carb? Look no further! These Lemon Herb Air Fried Chicken Breasts (Keto) are about to become your new go-to dinner staple. I remember one particularly hectic week where I was juggling work, kids’ activities, and trying to stick to my keto goals. Dinner felt impossible! That’s when I experimented with air frying chicken – and BOOM – this recipe was born. The bright lemon flavor, combined with fragrant herbs, elevates simple chicken breasts into something truly special. Served with a side of roasted broccoli or a fresh avocado salad, these keto air fried chicken breasts are perfect for a quick weeknight meal, meal prepping, or even a fancy weekend brunch. You’ll love how easy they are to make, and the flavor will have you hooked!

Recipe Overview

Ingredients for Lemon Herb Air Fried Chicken Breasts (Keto)

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, adds carbs)

Equipment Needed

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Meat thermometer

How to Make Lemon Herb Air Fried Chicken Breasts (Keto) – Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to dive in and create some amazing Lemon Herb Air Fried Chicken Breasts (Keto)? Let’s get started! These instructions will guide you through each step to perfectly cooked, flavorful chicken.

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. If using Parmesan cheese, set that aside for later.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken breasts to the bowl with the marinade. Make sure each breast is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for enhanced flavor.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. This will help ensure the chicken cooks evenly and gets crispy on the outside.

Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken

Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded. If necessary, cook in batches. Cook for 8 minutes, then flip and cook for another 8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Add Parmesan (Optional)

If using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the chicken breasts during the last minute of cooking. This will create a golden, cheesy crust.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once cooked, remove the Lemon Herb Air Fried Chicken Breasts (Keto) from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken breast.

Tips for Making Perfect Lemon Herb Air Fried Chicken Breasts (Keto)

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cooking in batches ensures even cooking and crispy results.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer model and the thickness of the chicken breasts.
• For extra crispy chicken, lightly pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels before adding them to the air fryer.
• Don’t skip the resting period! It makes a noticeable difference in the juiciness of the chicken.

Variations of Lemon Herb Air Fried Chicken Breasts (Keto)

Try these variations to spice up your Lemon Herb Air Fried Chicken Breasts (Keto): Lemon Pepper Chicken – Skip the Italian seasoning and add 1 teaspoon of black pepper, increasing the lemon zest to 1.5 tablespoons. Spicy Lemon Chicken – Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a kick.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Lemon Herb Air Fried Chicken Breasts (Keto) with a side of roasted asparagus, zucchini noodles, or cauliflower rice for a complete and satisfying keto meal. Garnish with fresh parsley or an extra squeeze of lemon juice for added freshness.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover Lemon Herb Air Fried Chicken Breasts (Keto) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. You can also freeze cooked chicken breasts for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nutritional Information

FAQ About Lemon Herb Air Fried Chicken Breasts (Keto)

Can I make Lemon Herb Air Fried Chicken Breasts (Keto) ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly if the chicken is very cold when it goes into the air fryer.

What if I don’t have an air fryer; can I still make these keto lemon herb chicken breasts?

Absolutely! You can bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For a crispier texture, broil for the last few minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

I hope you enjoy this delicious and easy Lemon Herb Air Fried Chicken Breasts (Keto) recipe! It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal while staying on track with your keto goals. Give it a try and let me know what you think!

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