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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 crispy, zesty lemon herb chicken thighs cooked in the air fryer, delivering juicy meat and golden skin with fresh herbs and lemon zest.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, roughly chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, zest and juice of 1 lemon, minced garlic, chopped herbs (1 tablespoon each of thyme, rosemary, and parsley), 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Whisk gently until well mixed.
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Add the thighs to the bowl and toss well to coat all sides evenly in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
  4. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if necessary.
  5. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes. Flip each thigh skin-side up and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes until skin is golden and crispy and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Remove chicken from air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top before serving.

Notes

Dry the chicken skin thoroughly before marinating for best crispiness. Preheat the air fryer to jumpstart browning. Flip chicken halfway through cooking for even crisping. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Let chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.

Nutrition

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