This juicy Ninja Foodi chicken breast recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in just 30 minutes. With only 288 calories and a whopping 50g of protein per serving, it’s perfect for health-conscious food lovers and meal preppers.
The Ninja Foodi’s pressure cooking and air crisping functions work together to create tender, perfectly cooked chicken that’s never dry. Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight dinner or batch cooking for the week ahead, this foolproof method will become your new go-to chicken recipe.
Ingredients For Perfect Air Fryer Chicken
- Chicken Breasts: 4 pieces, boneless and skinless, ensure they’re similar in size for even cooking
- Fresh Lemon: 1 whole lemon for juice and zest, adds bright citrus flavor
- Seasoning Mix: 1 tsp each of sea salt and black pepper
- Aromatics: 1 tbsp each of garlic powder and dried basil
- Garnish: Fresh basil leaves and lemon slices for serving
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your Ninja Foodi to 390°F/199°C for 5 minutes to ensure optimal cooking temperature
- Season Mix: Combine lemon zest, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried basil in a small bowl until well mixed
- Lemon Bath: Pour fresh lemon juice over chicken breasts, or marinate them for up to an hour for enhanced flavor
- Seasoning: Generously sprinkle the prepared spice mixture over each chicken breast
- Air Frying: Cook in batches of two for 20 minutes at 390°F using the air fryer setting
- Resting Period: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to lock in juices
- Final Touch: Garnish with fresh basil and lemon slices before serving
Cooking Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken
For the juiciest chicken, let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking. Don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket – cooking just two pieces at a time lets the hot air circulate properly. If your chicken breasts are different sizes, place the larger ones toward the back of the basket where it’s usually hotter.
Easy Variations
Switch things up by trying different herbs! Swap the dried basil for Italian seasoning, oregano, or rosemary. You can also use lime instead of lemon for a different citrus kick. If you love spicy food, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix. For a Mediterranean twist, sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese on top after cooking.
Serving Ideas
This lemon-basil chicken tastes amazing sliced over a fresh green salad or paired with roasted vegetables. It’s also perfect for meal prep – slice it up for sandwiches or wraps, or cube it to top your favorite pasta. For a light summer meal, serve it with a side of quinoa and grilled zucchini.
Storage Tips
Keep your cooked chicken fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F, or until warm. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months – just wrap it well to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Ninja Foodi Chicken Breast
Equipment
- Ninja Foodi
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 Chicken Breasts boneless and skinless
- 1 Lemon juiced
- 1 Lemon Zest from one lemon
- 1 tsp Sea Salt
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tbsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tbsp Dried Basil
- Fresh Basil and Lemon Slices to garnish
Instructions
- Gather the ingredients and preheat your air fryer to 390°F/199°C for 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, combine the lemon zest, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried basil.
- Slowly pour lemon juice over the chicken breast to cover them. Alternately, place the chicken breasts in a bowl with the lemon juice and allow them to marinate for up to an hour.
- Sprinkle the spice mixture over the top of each chicken breast.
- Cook two chicken breasts at a time for 20 minutes at 390 degrees on the air fryer setting.
- Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving, garnish with lemon slices and fresh basil, and enjoy!
