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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe Easy Zesty Lemon Pepper Flavor

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This recipe delivers crispy, juicy chicken thighs with a zesty lemon pepper flavor, cooked quickly and easily in an air fryer for a perfect weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (6–8 ounces each)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
  • 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning (blend of lemon zest, cracked black pepper, garlic powder, and salt)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (fine sea salt or kosher salt)
  • Fresh lemon zest from half a lemon (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Dry skin is key to getting crispy results.
  2. In a large bowl, toss chicken with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Rub the seasoning under the skin gently without tearing it.
  3. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
  4. Place thighs skin-side down into the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece. Cook for 10 minutes.
  5. Flip the thighs skin-side up using tongs. Continue air frying for another 10-12 minutes until the skin is deeply golden and crispy and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes outside the air fryer to allow juices to redistribute.
  7. Just before serving, grate the zest of half a lemon over the thighs for an extra burst of citrus aroma.

Notes

Pat chicken skin dry before seasoning to ensure crispiness. Preheat the air fryer for even cooking. Rub seasoning under the skin for deeper flavor. Flip chicken halfway through cooking for best results. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to maintain crispiness. For extra crispiness, add a 2-minute broil or extra air fry at 400°F but watch carefully to prevent burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, lemon pepper chicken, crispy chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, zesty chicken, gluten-free chicken, low-carb chicken

Find it online: https://prismtaste.com/crispy-air-fryer-chicken-thighs-recipe-easy-zesty-lemon-pepper-flavor/