Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Lemon Herb Marinade
These juicy air fryer chicken thighs are marinated in a zesty lemon herb blend and cooked to crispy perfection in just 25 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a healthy, flavorful dinner without the hassle of traditional frying. The skin gets incredibly crispy while the meat stays tender and juicy.
Ingredients
Nutrition Facts
Instructions
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1
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
💡 Pro Tip: Let the spices bloom in the oil for a minute before adding the chicken for deeper flavor. -
2
Add chicken thighs to the bowl and toss until evenly coated. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for maximum flavor.
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3
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 5 minutes.
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4
Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap. Cook for 12 minutes.
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5
Flip the chicken thighs and cook for an additional 10-13 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy.
💡 Pro Tip: Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness every time. -
6
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh lemon slices and herbs if desired.
👨🍳 Chef's Tips
For extra crispy skin, pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels before marinating. You can also increase the temperature to 400°F for the last 3-5 minutes of cooking. This recipe works great with boneless thighs too – just reduce cooking time by 5-7 minutes. Try adding different herbs like rosemary or adding a tablespoon of honey to the marinade for a sweet-savory twist.
🔄 Substitutions
If you don't have fresh lemon juice, use 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar instead. Dried herbs can be replaced with 1 tablespoon each of fresh oregano and thyme (triple the amount when using fresh). For a dairy-free option that's still flavorful, brush with melted butter instead of olive oil. Boneless, skinless thighs work too, but won't be as crispy.
📦 Storage
Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness, or microwave for 1-2 minutes if you don't mind softer skin. These also freeze well for up to 3 months – thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
