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Crispy Lemon Herb Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

crispy lemon herb air fryer chicken thighs - featured image

A quick and easy air fryer recipe delivering perfectly crispy skin and juicy chicken thighs with bright lemon and fresh herbs for a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Optional: touch of honey

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help skin crisp up. Set aside.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine lemon zest and juice, olive oil, minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Whisk until emulsified.
  3. Add chicken thighs to the bowl and toss well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, up to 2 hours.
  4. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
  5. Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket without overlapping. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip and cook an additional 8-10 minutes until skin is golden and an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F (74°C).
  6. If skin is not crispy enough, cook an extra 2-3 minutes watching carefully to avoid drying out the meat.
  7. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry before marinating is essential for crispy skin. Preheat the air fryer to ensure instant crisping. Flip chicken halfway through cooking for even browning. Let chicken rest before serving to keep it juicy. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation. For extra crunch, toss skin with gluten-free panko before cooking. If no air fryer is available, bake at 425°F (220°C) on a wire rack for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken, lemon herb chicken, easy dinner, quick chicken recipe, Mediterranean chicken, healthy chicken recipe