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Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Herb Chicken Thighs

crispy air fryer garlic herb chicken thighs - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for crispy, juicy chicken thighs seasoned with garlic and fresh herbs, cooked to perfection in an air fryer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika
  • Salt to taste (kosher salt recommended)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Pat dry the chicken thighs with paper towels to remove excess moisture (5 minutes).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended (3 minutes).
  3. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss thoroughly to coat each piece with the garlic herb mixture, ensuring the skin is evenly covered but not dripping with oil (3 minutes).
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
  5. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding (2 minutes).
  6. Air fry for 12 minutes at 400°F (200°C) until the skin starts to brown and crisp.
  7. Flip the thighs skin-side up using tongs and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes until the skin is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  9. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken thighs just before serving.

Notes

Patting the chicken skin dry is crucial for crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). If skin isn’t crispy enough, air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes watching closely to prevent burning. Let the chicken rest before serving to keep it juicy. Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken, garlic herb chicken, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, healthy chicken, gluten-free chicken