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Roast chicken in an air fryer with carrots, potatoes, corn, and lime

Air Fryer Lemon Chicken

Lemon Chicken in the air fryer is a modern take on a Chinese-American classic—bold, zesty flavor without the deep-fried heaviness.
The dish delivers juicy chunks of chicken with a satisfyingly crispy coating, all wrapped in a glossy lemon sauce that's sweet, tangy, and totally addictive.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Chinese-American
Servings 4
Calories 294 kcal

Equipment

  • Air fryer (basket or tray style)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Two shallow dishes
  • Saucepan 
  • Whisk or spoon
  • Cooking spray (neutral oil)
  • Meat thermometer (optional)

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken

  • 500 g chicken breast or thigh, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1 tbsp light soy sauce (low sodium)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
  • ½ cup cornflour or all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten

For the Lemon Sauce

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter or peanut oil
  • 1 tbsp ginger, julienned (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
  • ½ cup fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ⅔ cup chicken broth (low sodium)
  • 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp water (slurry)
  • Chili flakes or fresh chili, to taste (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Prep the Chicken
    Toss chicken pieces in soy sauce and sesame oil. Let marinate for 5–10 minutes.
    Set up two shallow dishes: one with cornflour, the other with beaten eggs.
    Coat each chicken piece in flour, dip in egg, then re-coat with flour.
  • Air Fry the Chicken
    Preheat air fryer to 190°C (375°F).
    Spray basket lightly with cooking spray.
    Arrange chicken in a single layer; avoid stacking.
    Lightly spray tops with oil.
    Cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway. Aim for 74°C (165°F) internal temp.
    A person watches chicken cook inside a countertop air fryer set to 200°C
  • Make the Lemon Sauce
    In a saucepan, heat butter or oil over medium heat.
    Sauté ginger and garlic (if using) for 1 minute.
    Add lemon juice, sugar, broth, and soy sauce. Bring to simmer.
    Stir in cornstarch slurry and simmer until thickened (~2 minutes).
    Adjust flavor with more sugar or chili as desired.
    A lemon sauce simmers and bubbles in a nonstick pan on the stovetop
  • Combine and Serve
    Transfer chicken to a mixing bowl.
    Pour warm sauce over and gently toss to coat.
    Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or herbs.
    Serve immediately with rice, noodles, or veggies.

Video

Notes

Cooking Tips

  • Use thighs for juicier chicken; breasts for leaner results.
  • Double-coating ensures a crispy crust—don’t skip it!
  • Cook in batches if needed—overcrowding reduces crispiness.
  • Sauce too tart? Add more sugar. Too thin? Simmer longer or add more cornstarch slurry.
  • Store sauce and chicken separately to preserve texture when reheating.
Keyword Air Fryer, Chinese American, Easy Dinner, Gluten-free, Lemon Chicken