Easy Lemon Pepper Air Fryer Chicken

Crispy lemon pepper air fryer chicken thighs on a white plate with lemon wedges

Easy Lemon Pepper Air Fryer Chicken

Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with bold citrus-pepper flavor. This lemon pepper air fryer chicken is ready in 30 minutes with just 4 simple ingredients.

Print Recipe Save This Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 25

Total Time 30

Servings: 4 portions

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 210

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks Thighs preferred for maximum juiciness and flavor
2 tbsp olive oil Avocado oil works as a substitute
2 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning Store-bought or homemade with lemon zest, cracked pepper, garlic powder, and salt
1 fresh lemon Optional, for squeezing over chicken before serving

Equipment

Air fryer (5-quart or larger)
Large mixing bowl
Kitchen tongs
meat thermometer
Paper towels

Method

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and maximum crispiness.
Pat the chicken pieces thoroughly dry with paper towels to remove excess surface moisture. This step is essential for crispy skin.
Place the chicken in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle lemon pepper seasoning over all sides. Use your hands to rub the seasoning into every surface.
Arrange the chicken pieces skin-side up in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece for air circulation. Do not overcrowd.
Air fry at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping each piece carefully at the halfway point, around 12 minutes.
Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature has reached 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) before removing from the air fryer.
Optional: Squeeze fresh lemon juice generously over the hot chicken just before serving for an extra burst of bright citrus flavor.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before seasoning for the crispiest results. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for 5 to 6 minutes to restore crunch. For chicken breasts, reduce cook time to 15 to 20 minutes and verify internal temperature.