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Crispy Air Fryer Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs

crispy air fryer lemon herb chicken thighs - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for juicy, crispy chicken thighs with a bright lemon herb marinade, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove moisture for crispier skin. (5 minutes)
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well blended. (5 minutes)
  3. Toss chicken thighs in the marinade, coating well under the skin when possible. Let sit for 15-20 minutes if time allows, or cook immediately.
  4. Preheat 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 without crowding. Cook in batches if necessary.
  6. Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, then flip chicken skin-side up and cook for another 8-10 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and skin is golden and crisp. (Total about 18-20 minutes)
  7. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon any leftover juices from the basket over the chicken.

Notes

Pat chicken dry to ensure crispy skin. Let chicken marinate for 15-20 minutes if possible. Preheat air fryer for even cooking. Flip chicken halfway through cooking. Avoid overcrowding the basket to prevent steaming. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F. For extra crispiness, use air fryer broil function for 1-2 minutes but watch closely to avoid burning. Leftovers reheat well in air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition

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