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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

crispy air fryer chicken thighs - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for crispy, juicy chicken thighs with a bright lemon herb marinade, cooked perfectly in the air fryer for a fuss-free weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds or 700 grams)
  • Zest and juice of 1 medium lemon
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and set aside.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme leaves, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder.
  3. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss gently to coat evenly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour if time allows, or cook immediately.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Place chicken thighs skin-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
  6. Flip the chicken thighs skin-side up using tongs and cook for another 8-10 minutes until skin is golden and crispy and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry before marinating is key to achieving crispy skin. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation. If skin is not crispy enough after cooking, air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes while watching closely. Marinating for 30 minutes to 1 hour enhances flavor but is optional.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken, lemon herb chicken, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, gluten-free, paleo