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Crispy Lemon Herb Air Fryer Chicken Thighs in 25 Minutes

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These crispy air fryer chicken thighs with lemon herb marinade come together in a panic but deliver shatteringly crisp skin, juicy meat, and bright lemon-herb flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is ready in 25 minutes and uses simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Fresh parsley or thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This is crucial for crispy skin.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk into a paste.
  3. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss with the marinade, massaging it under the skin and all over the meat. Let sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes (up to 30 minutes).
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
  5. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching.
  6. Air fry at 400°F for 12 minutes. Do not open the basket.
  7. Flip the chicken thighs skin-side up using tongs. Cook for another 8-10 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 175°F (80°C) and the skin is deep golden brown and crispy.
  8. Remove from the air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  9. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Pat the chicken very dry for crispy skin. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if needed. Let the chicken come to room temperature before cooking. Use an instant-read thermometer for perfect doneness. For boneless thighs, reduce cooking time to 10 minutes skin-side down and 6-8 minutes after flipping, aiming for 165°F internal temperature.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://ovenmila.com/crispy-lemon-herb-air-fryer-chicken-thighs-in-25-minutes/