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If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal, then you should try making lemon pepper chicken drumsticks in an air fryer. This recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy crispy and juicy chicken without the added calories and oil from deep-frying.

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While You’ll Love This Citrus Chicken

  • Fast. Flavorful lemon pepper chicken that’s done in under 30 minutes .
  • Easy. Marinate the chicken drumsticks, toss them in the air fryer , and enjoy!
  • Low Carb . Only 1 net carb per serving!
  • High Protein . This lemon pepper chicken packs a whopping 14 grams of protein per serving.

With just a few ingredients and 25 minutes, you can have one of our best air fryer chicken recipes ready in no time.

What Is The Secret To Moist Chicken?

There are several different steps you can take to ensure that your chicken is moist, but those steps will vary depending on the cut of chicken you’re using, and the dish you are making.

For this lemon pepper chicken recipe, there are two primary tips to use to ensure your chicken drumsticks stay moist. They are:

  1. Use a meat thermometer . Overcooking chicken is the biggest culprit of dry meat. A meat thermometer will help you cook the chicken to the perfect temperature without overdoing it. The internal temperature of fully cooked chicken should reach 165°F.
  2. Let it rest. Allowing the chicken to rest for several minutes after cooking can help distribute the juices and keep the meat moist.

What Happens When You Add Lemon To Chicken?

Adding lemon to chicken can add bright, tangy, and acidic flavors to the dish. The acidic properties of lemon juice can also help to tenderize and marinate the chicken, making it juicier and more flavorful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Chicken drumsticks
  • Lemon
  • Black pepper
  • Salt
  • Dried basil
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika
  • Onion powder

How To Make Lemon Pepper Chicken

If you have just a few minutes, some simple ingredients, and an air fryer you can use the simple steps below to make a dinner that the whole family will love!

  1. In a small bowl, mix together the lemon juice, black pepper, salt, basil, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder. Reserve half.
  2. Place the chicken drumsticks in a large bowl and pour half of the lemon pepper mixture over them. Make sure that each drumstick is coated evenly. Allow them to marinate for 30 minutes.
  3. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
  4. Place the coated drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure that they are not touching each other.
  5. Cook for 25 minutes, flipping the drumsticks once halfway through and using the lemon and herb sauce that wasn’t used to marinate the chicken to brush on top.
  6. Once the drumsticks are fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165F, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes.
  7. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious and crispy lemon pepper drumsticks!
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Variations

  • Make it spicy. Add a dash of hot sauce to your marinade for a kick of heat to your bite.
  • Bulk up the flavor. If you want a bite that packs a bigger punch of lemon pepper flavor, sprinkle some lemon pepper seasoning on your drumsticks when they’re fresh out of the air fryer.
  • Switch out the cut. Are drumsticks not your thing? No big deal. Use my instructions on how to make air fryer chicken thighs and use the marinade in this recipe for a boneless bite.

What To Serve With Them

Lemon pepper chicken drumsticks pair well with a variety of side dishes, including a few of my favorites:

  1. Roasted or steamed vegetables . Try pairing the drumsticks with roasted or steamed vegetables such as asparagus, green beans, carrots, or broccoli.
  2. Salad . A fresh green salad can balance out the richness of the chicken and add a crunchy texture.
  3. Grains . Serve the drumsticks with grains such as rice, quinoa, or couscous to soak up the delicious sauce and add some bulk to the meal.
  4. Baked or roasted potatoes. Baked or roasted potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs well with lemon pepper chicken drumsticks.

How Long Do They Last?

Cooked chicken drumsticks can last in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container and if you need to store them longer than that, they can last in the freezer for up to 4 months.

When in doubt, use the smell test to check if the chicken is still good. If it has a strong or sour odor, it’s best to discard it.

More Drumstick Recipes

  • Blackened Chicken Drumsticks
  • Air Fried Chicken Legs with Cilantro Pesto
  • Tempero Baiano
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Lemon Pepper Chicken | Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Drumsticks

Ingredients

  • ▢ 6 chicken drumsticks
  • ▢ 1 Lemon
  • ▢ 1/2 tsp pepper
  • ▢ 1 tsp salt
  • ▢ 1 tsp Dried Basil
  • ▢ 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • ▢ 1/2 tsp Paprika
  • ▢ 1 tsp Onion Powder

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, mix together the lemon juice, black pepper, salt, basil, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder. Reserve half.
  • Place the chicken drumsticks in a large bowl and pour half of the lemon pepper mixture over them. Make sure that each drumstick is coated evenly. Allow them to marinate for 30 minutes.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
  • Place the coated drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure that they are not touching each other.
  • Cook for 25 minutes, flipping the drumsticks once halfway through and using the lemon and herb sauce that wasn’t used to marinate the chicken to brush on top.
  • Once the drumsticks are fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165F, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes.
  • Serve hot and enjoy your delicious and crispy lemon pepper drumsticks!

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Nutrition

And don’t forget to check out my air fryer cookbooks! Every day easy air fryer , and Air Fryer Revolution .

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Lemon Pepper Chicken | Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Drumsticks

Ingredients

  • 6 chicken drumsticks
  • 1 Lemon
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp Dried Basil
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Paprika
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, mix together the lemon juice, black pepper, salt, basil, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder. Reserve half.
  • Place the chicken drumsticks in a large bowl and pour half of the lemon pepper mixture over them. Make sure that each drumstick is coated evenly. Allow them to marinate for 30 minutes.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
  • Place the coated drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure that they are not touching each other.
  • Cook for 25 minutes, flipping the drumsticks once halfway through and using the lemon and herb sauce that wasn’t used to marinate the chicken to brush on top.
  • Once the drumsticks are fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165F, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes.
  • Serve hot and enjoy your delicious and crispy lemon pepper drumsticks!

Lemon Pepper Chicken | Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Drumsticks https://twosleevers.com/lemon-pepper-chicken/

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This one-step Instant Pot Mushroom Stroganoff recipe is a delightfully comforting, warming, and filling dish that’s perfect for a cold day. It’s delightfully rich, savory, and vegetarian!

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What Makes This Mushroom Stroganoff So Wonderful

There’s just something so comforting about eating a creamy pasta dish filled with veggies. This one-step Instant Pot Mushroom Stroganoff is so cheesy, and delicious you will love every single bite! The best part? It’s a one-pot vegetarian dish you can make in your Instant Pot. Big flavors, incredible dish, easy clean-up! What’s not to love?

Beef Stroganoff is easily one of the best comfort foods out there. It’s so delightfully creamy and delicious, but what if you just don’t want the meat?

Whether you live a vegetarian lifestyle or you’re looking for a great dish for a meatless Monday meal, this Mushroom Stroganoff is sure to leave a smile on your face. It’s one of those dishes that is just so good that you’ll find yourself craving it, even shortly after finishing a plate of it.

And not only is this dish delectable, but it’s just SO dang easy to make! I absolutely love dump and cook recipes, and this recipe definitely ranks up there in my favorite quick and easy dinner options. Just throw the ingredients in the Instant Pot , give it a quick stir, and let the Instant Pot do the rest!

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 8 ounces Fusilli -This is the hearty base of the dish. Fusilli holds the creamy sauce well thanks to its spirals, but any short pasta works.
  • 1.25 cups Water - Provides the necessary liquid for pressure cooking the pasta and mushrooms.
  • 1 cup Onion - Adds sweetness, depth, and savory flavor as it cooks down. Onions help build the classic stroganoff flavor foundation.
  • 1 tablespoon Minced Garlic - Brings aromatic richness and savory depth, enhancing the mushroom flavors and boosting overall umami.
  • 10 ounces Mushrooms - The star of the dish. Mushrooms give the stroganoff its meaty texture and earthy flavor. Frozen mushrooms add convenience, while fresh mushrooms contribute even more flavor and structure.
  • 2 tablespoons Butter - Used to sauté the onions and garlic, butter adds richness and classic stroganoff flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Prepared Mustard - Adds tanginess and complexity, balancing the creaminess of the sauce. Mustard brightens the flavor and enhances the savory notes.
  • 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce - Provides umami and saltiness, deepening the savory flavor of the dish. It acts like a shortcut to a slow-simmered flavor profile.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt - Enhances all the flavors and seasons the pasta and mushrooms evenly during pressure cooking.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper - Adds gentle heat and complements the earthy mushrooms.
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream - Creates the creamy, tangy finish that defines stroganoff. It thickens the sauce and makes it silky and rich once stirred in after cooking.
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Parsley - Adds freshness, color, and a bright herbaceous finish.

How To Make Mushroom Stroganoff

  1. Place onion garlic, mushrooms, butter, mustard, soy sauce, salt, pepper and water into the Instant Pot and stir.
  2. Add in pasta and stir.
  3. Close the lid and press PRESSURE COOK. Cook on HIGH for 5 minutes and then let the pot rest undisturbed for 5 minutes. Then, release all remaining pressure.
  4. Open the lid, stir in sour cream and parsley and serve.

Tips And Tricks

Making mushroom stroganoff in the Instant Pot is incredibly easy, but a few smart techniques can help you get the best flavor and texture from your ingredients.

  • Sauté long enough for flavor. Take a couple of extra minutes to sauté the onions and garlic until softened. This step deepens the savory base and prevents the final dish from tasting flat.
  • Add sour cream at the end. Pressure cooking dairy can curdle it. Stir in the sour cream after everything is cooked for a smooth, creamy sauce.
  • Adjust thickness as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or milk. If it’s too thin, switch to sauté mode and simmer for 1–2 minutes.

Variations

If you love mushroom stroganoff but want to switch up the flavors or tailor it to specific dietary needs, these variations will help you make the dish your own.

  • Beef Mushroom Stroganoff - Stir in ½ pound of thinly sliced beef strips or ground beef during the sauté step for a heartier, protein-packed version.
  • Spicy Stroganoff - Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a spoonful of chili crisp for a little heat.
  • Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff - Replace butter with olive oil, use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of sour cream to keep it dairy-free and plant-based.

Can You Make This Mushroom Stroganoff Keto Friendly?

Yes, quite easily actually! You simply need to sub the noodles out for something that is low carb. Here are just a few options you can try:

  • You can go for a like carb noodle such as Carbanada noodles or Shirataki noodles .
  • You can use zoodles (zucchini noodles).
  • You can serve it on a bed of steamed vegetables.
  • You can serve it on a bed of cauliflower rice.

Really, just about anything smothered in this Mushroom Stroganoff comes out tasting amazing!

What To Eat With Instant Pot Mushroom Stroganoff

To round out your mushroom stroganoff and turn it into a complete, satisfying meal, pair it with sides that provide freshness, crunch, or contrasting richness.

  • Salad - A crisp mixed-greens salad with a light vinaigrette helps cut through the creaminess of the stroganoff.
  • Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls - Perfect for soaking up the savory sauce and adding a little buttery crunch.
  • Steamed Green Beans - Their bright flavor and crisp-tender texture pair beautifully with the creamy pasta.
  • Roasted Vegetables - Roasted broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts add caramelized depth and extra nutrition.

How Long Does It Last?

Instant Pot mushroom stroganoff keeps well and can be enjoyed for several days after cooking. When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it lasts 3 to 4 days while maintaining good flavor and texture.

Always reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Can You Freeze It?

You can freeze mushroom stroganoff, but there are a few things to keep in mind to get the best texture once it’s reheated. The sauce itself freezes fairly well for up to 3 months, but pasta tends to soften and become mushy after thawing, which can change the overall quality of the dish.

If you plan ahead, the best approach is to freeze the sauce only and cook fresh pasta when you’re ready to serve it.

When reheating, warm it gently over low heat and add a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess.

More Great Comfort Foods

  • If you have mushrooms left over, you might like this Low Carb Cream Of Mushroom Soup .
  • Keto Tabuli would be a nice addition to this meal as well.
  • Dessert could be my Easy Baked Apple Recipe .
  • With this Keto Meatloaf recipe , those of us living a low carb lifestyle don’t have to miss out on meatloaf anymore!
  • Creamy Mushroom Soup - Hearty, packed with protein, and delicious.
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Instant Pot Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe | Vegetarian Stroganoff

Equipment

  • Instant Pot

Ingredients

  • ▢ 8 ounces Fusilli , or other pasta
  • ▢ 1.25 cups Water
  • ▢ 1 cup Onion , diced
  • ▢ 1 tablespoon Minced Garlic
  • ▢ 10 ounces Mushrooms , frozen, mixed mushrooms or 1.5 cups mixed, sliced fresh mushrooms
  • ▢ 2 tablespoons butter , or oil
  • ▢ 1 tablespoons Prepared Mustard
  • ▢ 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • ▢ 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • ▢ 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
  • ▢ 1/2 cup sour cream
  • ▢ 1/4 cup Chopped Parsley

Instructions

  • Place onion garlic, mushrooms, butter, mustard, soy sauce, salt, pepper and water into the Instant Pot and stir.
  • Add in pasta and stir.
  • Close the lid and press PRESSURE COOK. Cook on HIGH for 5 minutes and then let the pot rest undisturbed for 5 minutes. Then, release all remaining pressure.
  • Open the lid, stir in sour cream and parsley and serve.

Low Carb Noodle Substitutes:

  • You can go for a like carb noodle such as Carbanada noodles or Shirataki noodles .
  • You can use zoodles (zucchini noodles).
  • You can serve it on a bed of steamed vegetables.
  • You can serve it on a bed of cauliflower rice.

Get support & connect with our community on Facebook!

Nutrition

Don’t forget to check out my otherBest-selling Instant Pot Cookbooks!

Indian Instant Pot , Keto Instant Pot, Instant Pot Fast and Easy , Healthy Instant Pot & Vegetarian Instant Pot .

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