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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Perfectly Zesty Lemon Pepper Recipe

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This recipe delivers crispy, juicy chicken thighs with a bright lemon pepper flavor, made easy and quick using an air fryer. Perfect for busy weeknights, it offers a satisfying crunch without deep frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 700g)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 ½ teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt (kosher or sea salt preferred)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Zest of 1 medium lemon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional, to drizzle after cooking)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crisp skin. (5 minutes)
  2. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest. Coat each chicken thigh evenly with this mixture, getting under the skin if possible. (5 minutes)
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
  4. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. (2 minutes)
  5. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12 minutes until golden and fragrant.
  6. Flip the thighs skin-side up using tongs and cook for another 8-10 minutes until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. Remove the thighs and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  8. Optionally, drizzle fresh lemon juice over the thighs just before serving for extra citrus flavor.

Notes

Drying the chicken skin thoroughly is crucial for crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking for best results. If skin isn’t crisping enough, spray with cooking oil halfway through the second cooking phase. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, lemon pepper chicken, crispy chicken, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, healthy chicken, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://twirltaste.com/crispy-air-fryer-chicken-thighs-perfectly-zesty-lemon-pepper-recipe/