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Air fryer chicken lemon pepper recipe with crispy golden chicken pieces garnished with fresh lemon slices and black pepper.

Easy Air Fryer Chicken Lemon Pepper Recipe (Classic Flavor)

This quick and delicious air fryer chicken lemon pepper recipe delivers perfectly crispy chicken with bright citrus flavor in under 30 minutes. A family-friendly weeknight dinner solution with minimal cleanup!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 385
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 lbs chicken thighs or drumsticks bone-in, skin-on for best results
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Lemon Pepper Seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest from about 2 medium lemons
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
For Serving (Optional)
  • 1 lemon cut into wedges
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Paper Towels
  • Meat Thermometer

Method
 

Prepare the Chicken
  • Pat the chicken pieces completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving crispy skin.
  • Place the chicken in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil, turning to coat all pieces evenly.
Make the Seasoning
  • In a small bowl, combine lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and dried thyme. Mix thoroughly.
  • Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the oiled chicken pieces, using your hands to rub it in and ensure even coating on all sides.
Air Fry the Chicken
  • Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
  • Place chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin side up, making sure not to overcrowd (work in batches if necessary).
  • Cook for 10 minutes, then flip the chicken pieces and continue cooking for another 8-12 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 175°F for thighs/drumsticks or 165°F for breasts.
  • For extra crispy skin, increase the temperature to 400°F for the final 2 minutes of cooking.
Serve
  • Remove chicken from the air fryer and let rest for 3-5 minutes.
  • Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top just before eating.

Notes

For chicken breasts: Reduce cooking time to 15-18 minutes total (depending on thickness) and cook to an internal temperature of 165°F. For wings: Cook at 380°F for 20-25 minutes total, shaking the basket halfway through. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes for best results.