Crispy Lemon-Herb Air Fryer Chicken Breast

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-05 · Updated 2026-04-05

Coated in a zesty herb crust and cooked to juicy perfection in the air fryer, perfect for a high-protein keto meal. This American-inspired air-fryer recipe (keto, high protein), ready in about 33 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, olive oil, lemon zest for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 4 (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Air fryers that get this right → Best Air Fryers for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels, then rub 2 tbsp olive oil evenly over all surfaces. Sprinkle 1 tbsp lemon zest, 1 tbsp fresh thyme, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper over the chicken, pressing gently to adhere.
2. Step 2: Place chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring no pieces overlap. Air fry at 375°F for 12 minutes, then flip the chicken and cook an additional 6 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
3. Step 3: While chicken cooks, whisk 1/4 cup heavy cream with 1 tbsp lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth. Once chicken is done, transfer it to a plate and spoon the lemon-cream sauce over the top, letting it pool in the crevices.