Description
This Air Fryer Chicken Thighs recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken with crispy skin in just 40 minutes. Marinated with a zesty lemon juice and seasoned with a blend of paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, and oregano, these chicken thighs are perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner. Using the air fryer ensures a healthier alternative to traditional frying while achieving that perfect golden crust.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 chicken thighs (skin-on, bone-in)
Seasoning
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure the skin crisps up well during cooking.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together the lemon juice, paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture all over the chicken thighs, making sure to coat both sides thoroughly.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the air fryer basket skin-side down in a single layer, making sure they do not overlap. Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes.
- Flip and Continue Cooking: Carefully flip the chicken thighs so the skin side is up and cook for another 10-12 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Notes
- For extra crispy skin, pat the chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning.
- You can adjust the seasoning blend to your taste, adding cayenne pepper for some heat or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Resting the chicken after cooking helps retain juiciness.
- This recipe works well with boneless chicken thighs, but cooking time will be reduced; check for doneness early.
