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Crispy Garlic Herb Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

crispy garlic herb air fryer chicken thighs - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for crispy, juicy chicken thighs infused with garlic and fresh herbs, cooked perfectly in an air fryer in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs or 700g)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

  1. Pat dry the chicken thighs thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispy skin (about 5 minutes).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Stir until well blended into a fragrant paste (about 3 minutes).
  3. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss until each piece is evenly coated with the garlic herb mixture, seasoning under and over the skin (about 5 minutes).
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
  5. Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces (about 2 minutes).
  6. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes, then flip the chicken skin-side up using tongs. Continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. Remove the chicken thighs and let them rest on a plate for 5 minutes before serving to lock in the juices.

Notes

Patting the chicken skin dry is essential for crispiness. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking for even browning. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Reheat leftovers in the air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

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