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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe Easy Garlic Herb Butter Flavor

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This recipe delivers perfectly crispy air fryer chicken thighs with a rich garlic herb butter that seeps into the meat, creating a juicy and flavorful meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–5 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (medium-sized)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Olive oil, for drizzling
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter (5 minutes): In a mixing bowl, combine 3 tablespoons softened unsalted butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, rosemary, and lemon zest. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until fully blended and fragrant.
  2. Pat Dry the Chicken Thighs (2 minutes): Using paper towels, dry each thigh thoroughly to ensure crispy skin.
  3. Season the Chicken (3 minutes): Lightly brush olive oil on each thigh, then sprinkle salt, pepper, and optionally smoked paprika or red pepper flakes. Rub the seasoning evenly over the skin and under it if possible.
  4. Apply Garlic Herb Butter (5 minutes): Using a pastry brush or spoon, spread a generous layer of the garlic herb butter over the skin and into the crevices. Reserve a bit of the butter for after cooking.
  5. Preheat the Air Fryer (3 minutes): Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat.
  6. Cook the Chicken (20-22 minutes): Place the thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook for 10-11 minutes, then flip and cook skin-side up for another 10-11 minutes until the skin is deeply golden and crisp and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. Brush with Remaining Butter (1 minute): Transfer the thighs to a plate and spoon the reserved garlic herb butter over the hot chicken while it’s still sizzling.
  8. Rest & Serve (5 minutes): Let the chicken rest for a few minutes to let juices redistribute. Serve warm with your favorite sides.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry is essential for crispy skin. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation. Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for best results. You can prepare the garlic herb butter up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate. If you don’t have an air fryer, roast at 425°F (220°C) on a wire rack for about 40 minutes, flipping halfway. For extra crispiness, spritz the skin with oil halfway through cooking. Butter can be substituted with dairy-free alternatives for a dairy-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, air fryer chicken, garlic herb butter chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, family meal, air fryer recipe

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