Description
This Air Fryer Lemon Chicken recipe delivers crispy, tender chicken pieces coated in a tangy, sweet lemon sauce. With a perfectly balanced blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, and fresh lemon juice, this dish is both flavorful and light. The use of an air fryer ensures a healthier preparation by reducing oil while achieving a deliciously crisp texture.
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
Lemon Sauce
- 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
Garnish
- 2 green onions, green parts only, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Dredging Stations: Place the flour in one shallow dish and the beaten eggs in another, creating two dredging stations ready for coating the chicken.
- Marinate and Dredge Chicken: Toss the chicken pieces with soy sauce and sesame oil to marinate briefly. Then dredge the chicken in flour, dip into the beaten eggs, and coat again with flour to ensure a crispy exterior after air frying.
- Air Fry: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket and spray with cooking spray. Air fry the chicken for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking for even crisping.
- Make Lemon Sauce: While the chicken cooks, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the lemon juice, sugar, chicken broth, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Whisk the mixture continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
- Toss and Serve: Pour the prepared lemon sauce over the cooked chicken pieces and toss well to coat evenly. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately for a bright and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken pieces are cut evenly to guarantee uniform cooking.
- Adjust the lemon sauce sweetness by varying the sugar amount to taste.
- Shaking the air fryer basket midway through cooking helps keep the chicken crispy on all sides.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to keep the dish heart-healthy and balanced in flavor.
