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Crispy Garlic Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

crispy garlic air fryer chicken thighs - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for crispy, juicy chicken thighs infused with fresh garlic and herbs, cooked perfectly in an air fryer for a flavorful weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 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

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove moisture.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, olive oil, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and lemon zest. Stir well to create a herb-garlic marinade.
  3. Add the dried chicken thighs to the bowl and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly with the herb mixture.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
  5. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd.
  6. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12 minutes until the skin starts to crisp.
  7. Flip the chicken thighs skin-side up using tongs and continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes until the skin is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry is essential for crispy skin. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even crisping. Use fresh herbs and garlic for best flavor. If skin is not crispy enough, air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes while watching closely. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat best in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken, garlic chicken, herb infused chicken, easy dinner, weeknight recipe, low carb, gluten free, keto