Air Fryer Garlic Lime Chicken

We love this Air Fryer Lime Chicken recipe for the convenience of the air fryer and the big flavor you get from our tangy garlic and lime marinade. It makes for an amazing dinner or use it for meal prep, giving you tender, juicy chicken ready to shred or slice in strips for tacos, burritos, salads, or even a protein-packed bowl.

For more easy air fryer recipes, try our Lemon Garlic Air Fryer Salmon Bites or our Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken.

This easy recipe is one of our favorite ways to cook juicy, tender chicken breasts. We use fresh, simple ingredients that deliver big flavor without the breading and excess oil. The lime juice in our marinade adds acidity, which helps tenderize the chicken and delivers bright, fresh flavor. Soy sauce and garlic balance the tangy lime adding a salty, savory element. Double the recipe and you have quick and easy meals for the rest of the week!

Ingredient Notes

• Chicken Breasts: We use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. You can also use boneless skinless chicken thighs for a juicier dark meat result.
• Olive Oil: You can use any neutral cooking oil like avocado or vegetable oil as well.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor, but jarred minced garlic works in a pinch.
• Lime Juice: Fresh is best but if you’re short on time, you can use bottled.
• Soy Sauce: use regular or low-sodium soy sauce. For a soy-free dish feel free to swap with coconut aminos.

Adjust the Heat

Our spice blend is a more savory combination of onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. If you’d like to add a little more spice, simply add a 1/2–1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, chili pepper, or cumin. You can also add fresh slices of jalapeño as a garnish and to add a little kick.

Air Fryer Tips

Use a Liner: Cleaning up is a breeze if you use air fryer parchment liners. Less scrubbing, more enjoying.

Don’t Overcrowd: Give your food some breathing room in the air fryer basket. If your air fryer isn’t huge, cook in batches—it’s worth it for those perfectly golden results. And don’t forget to toss or shake everything halfway through so it all cooks nice and evenly.

Keep an Eye on Things: Air fryers work fast, and nobody wants overcooked chicken. Use a meat thermometer if you can (to reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F) and check on things toward the end so you nail that perfect doneness.

Serving Suggestions

Rice and Veggies: Simply pair with a side of white or brown steamed rice and a green veggie (we love asparagus or green beans) for a complete, healthy meal.

Make a bowl: Add rice, beans and veggies, and you’ve got a healthy, protein-packed bowl. You can also use quinoa instead of rice for added fiber and protein. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and lime wedges.

Tacos and Burritos: This chicken can easily be shredded or sliced into strips and used in tacos or burritos. Add cheese, avocado, salsa, and any other toppings you love for a delicious meal.