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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe with Easy Zesty Lemon-Herb Rub

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A quick and easy recipe for crispy, golden chicken thighs cooked in an air fryer with a fresh lemon-herb rub that adds bright, zesty flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 680 g)
  • Zest of 1 large lemon
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or rosemary/oregano)
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. (5 minutes)
  2. In a medium bowl, combine lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped thyme, chili flakes, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Mix until a loose paste forms. (3 minutes)
  3. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and rub the mixture all over, including under the skin where possible. (5 minutes)
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
  5. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12 minutes, then flip and cook for another 10-12 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy. (Total 22-24 minutes)
  6. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before seasoning for best crispiness. Flip chicken halfway through cooking for even crisping. If skin isn’t crispy enough, finish with 2-3 minutes at 425°F (220°C) watching closely. Leftovers reheat well in air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep skin crispy.

Nutrition

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

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