Lemon Garlic Butter Air Fryer Roast Chicken

Lemon Garlic Butter Air Fryer Roast Chicken

Infused with the zesty freshness of lemon, the savory richness of garlic, and the luxurious creaminess of butter, this air fryer roast chicken is a crowd-pleaser that delivers tender, flavorful meat with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (3–4 lbs)

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 lemon, halved

• 4 cloves garlic, smashed

Kitchen Tools Needed:

• Air fryer

• Chef’s knife

• Cutting board

• Small mixing bowl

• Basting brush

• Meat thermometer

Preparation Steps:

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove any moisture for a crispy finish.

2. Rub olive oil over the chicken, ensuring even coverage.

Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Mix:

1. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, parsley, salt, and pepper.

2. Squeeze half the lemon into the mixture and stir well.

3. Using a basting brush, coat the chicken thoroughly with the mixture, including under the skin and inside the cavity.

4. Stuff the cavity with the other lemon half and smashed garlic cloves.

Air Frying Steps:

1. Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 360°F for 5 minutes.

2. Load the Chicken: Place the chicken breast-side down in the air fryer basket.

3. First Cook Cycle: Air fry at 360°F for 30 minutes.

4. Flip and Finish: Flip the chicken breast-side up and continue cooking for another 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature at the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F.

5. Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving to keep it juicy.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or buttery green beans.

• Drizzle extra melted butter and fresh lemon juice over the carved chicken for added flavor.

• Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color.

Tips for Success:

• Butter Infusion: Baste the chicken with the butter mixture during cooking for extra richness.

• Flip for Crispness: Flipping halfway ensures even cooking and crispy skin.

• Size Matters: If your chicken is larger than your air fryer basket, spatchcock the chicken for an even fit.

Nutrition Estimate (Per Serving):

• Calories: ~320

• Protein: ~24g

• Carbohydrates: ~2g

• Fat: ~24g

This Lemon Garlic Butter Air Fryer Roast Chicken combines simple ingredients with big flavors, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.