Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels—this crucial step prevents steaming and ensures the exterior crisps properly. Place them on a cutting board and inspect for thickness, pounding to even 3/4-inch uniformity if needed for consistent cooking throughout.

Combine olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, black pepper, and paprika in a small bowl. Whisk thoroughly until the marinade becomes homogeneous, ensuring every ingredient disperses evenly through the mixture.

Coat each chicken breast generously with the lemon marinade, massaging it into both sides and allowing it to penetrate for 5-10 minutes at room temperature. This step builds profound flavor and ensures the beautiful crispy exterior develops with maximum Mediterranean character throughout.

Arrange the marinated chicken breasts in a single layer in your air fryer basket without overlapping—do not crowd the basket, as air circulation directly determines how evenly the stunning air fryer lemon chicken recipe cooks. Set the temperature to 380°F and cook for exactly 18 minutes, checking at the 15-minute mark for doneness.

Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving plate and tent loosely with foil to retain heat while you prepare the sauce. Pour the chicken broth into the air fryer basket, scraping up all flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom—these contain concentrated umami depth.

Mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water until smooth, then whisk into the broth mixture currently in the basket. Return to the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens into a silky glaze, then stir in the butter and fresh parsley.

Spoon the warm lemon butter sauce over the chicken breasts immediately before serving, allowing the glaze to coat the crispy surface luxuriously. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and lemon slices for an elegant presentation that looks restaurant-quality.