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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe Easy Lemon Garlic Herb Butter

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Crispy, golden chicken thighs cooked in an air fryer and finished with a buttery, garlicky, lemony herb sauce. A quick and easy recipe perfect for cozy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herb blend (oregano, thyme, rosemary)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed
  • Zest and juice of 1 medium lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine chicken thighs with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon dried Italian herb blend. Toss well to coat each piece evenly.
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
  4. Place the thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12 minutes.
  5. Using tongs, carefully flip the thighs skin-side up. Cook for an additional 10-12 minutes or until skin is golden and crispy and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. While chicken cooks, combine 3 tablespoons softened unsalted butter, 3 minced garlic cloves, zest and juice of 1 lemon, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly.
  7. Once chicken is done, remove from the air fryer and immediately brush generously with the lemon garlic herb butter. Let rest for 3 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry thoroughly for best crispiness. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F. Brush lemon garlic herb butter after cooking to keep skin crispy. If skin is not crispy enough, increase cooking time by 2-3 minutes but watch closely to avoid burning. For dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. If no air fryer, roast at 425°F for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

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

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