Name: Air Fryer Italian Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 500 min
Ingredients: 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts; ⅔ cup extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons dijon mustard; ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice; 3 garlic cloves minced; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 2 teaspoons oregano; ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

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If you’re looking for a dinner that’s full of flavor, super simple to prep, and practically effortless to cook, air fryer chicken is going to be your new go-to.

Inspired by the zesty Italian salad dressing that we’ve been making for about as long as I can remember, that vinaigrette is transformed into the perfect meat marinade. The chicken soaks up that tangy marinade made with olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic, and a blend of herbs and spices.

Then the air fryer does the work of cooking the breasts to juicy perfection, the chicken turns out tender inside and golden brown on the outside. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes and then slice and serve.

process photo collage for marinating chicken

Air Fryer Chicken Breasts

Italian chicken is a great addition to rice pilaf and creamy pastas. It’s also terrific served with garlic mashed potatoes, Parmesan roasted potatoes, or this mushroom spinach pasta.

I love recipes like this because they’re as low-stress as a main dish can be, yet feel a little elevated. The marinade comes together in just a few minutes, and you can even make it ahead of time to let the chicken sit and soak up all that flavor.

As a make-ahead meal, marinated chicken is perfection. Just marinate the chicken right after you buy it, and then freeze it. When ready to cook the chicken, thaw it in the fridge, and it will be done marinating when it has thawed.

How Long To Cook Chicken In Air Fryer

And let’s talk about the air fryer for a second. Because yes, you can also grill or bake this chicken, but the air fryer delivers perfect chicken with the bare minimum of effort.

You’ll cook the chicken breasts in the air fryer for about 15 minutes, turning it halfway through the cooking time. When the chicken breast temperature reaches 165°F, it is done. (Cook the chicken to 175°F for chicken thighs.)

It’s fast, it’s convenient, and dinner will be on the table lightning fast. Pair the chicken with a salad, roasted veggies, or even pile it onto pasta, and you’ve got yourself a meal that feels both wholesome and satisfying.

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Air Fryer Italian Chicken

Mary Younkin

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s full of flavor, super simple to prep, and practically effortless to cook, air fryer Italian chicken is going to be your new go-to.

Prep Time: 5

Marinating Time: 8

Total Time: 8 20

Servings:

Ingredients

▢ 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
▢ ⅔ cup extra virgin olive oil
▢ 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
▢ ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
▢ 3 garlic cloves minced
▢ 1 teaspoon kosher salt
▢ 2 teaspoons oregano
▢ ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
▢ ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Combine the chicken, olive oil, mustard, lemon juice, garlic, salt, oregano, red pepper flakes, black pepper in a gallon size freezer bag and seal tightly. Turn a few times to ensure all the pieces of chicken are covered and then place in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 8 hours and up to 24 hours.
When ready to cook the chicken, remove it from the refrigerator. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Place the chicken in the air fryer in a single layer.
Cook for 15-18 minutes, turning the breasts over halfway through the cooking time. Cook until the chicken breasts reach an internal temperature of 165°F. (Cook chicken thighs to 175°F.)