First, slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise if they’re thick. This ensures they cook evenly and quickly. Season both sides of each fillet with garlic powder, paprika powder, crushed pepper, and salt. This mix brings warmth, spice, and flavor to the mild chicken.
Once seasoned, dredge the chicken fillets lightly in all-purpose flour. Shake off any excess flour to avoid clumping. The flour will help create a golden crust and will also thicken the sauce slightly when the chicken is added back in.
Place the coated chicken fillets in the air fryer basket. Drizzle a little olive oil on top to help crisp the coating. Cook at 180°C (356°F) for around 10–12 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the fillets and set aside.
In a large nonstick pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add crushed garlic and sauté for a few seconds until fragrant. Add the drained capers and sauté again briefly, smashing a few with a fork to release extra flavor.
Pour in the chicken stock and squeeze in fresh lemon juice. Stir everything together and season with a pinch of salt, crushed pepper, and some chopped parsley. Let this mixture simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until it reduces and thickens slightly.
Now add the cream and whisk the sauce well to combine. Let it simmer for another few minutes until it reaches a creamy consistency. Taste and adjust the salt or lemon if needed for balance.
Place the air-fried chicken fillets gently into the sauce. Spoon some sauce over each piece to coat them well. Let everything simmer together for 2–3 minutes so the chicken absorbs the flavors.
Garnish the dish with extra chopped parsley and fresh lemon slices before serving. Serve hot with pasta, rice, or crusty bread on the side to soak up that delicious sauce.