Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs: Easy Lemon Herb Recipe
Juicy, crispy air-fried chicken thighs finished with a bright and zesty lemon herb butter sauce. This easy weeknight meal requires minimal prep and delivers restaurant-quality flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-22 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Boneless, skin-on chicken thighs
- Olive oil
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika (smoked or sweet)
- Unsalted butter
- Lemon zest
- Fresh lemon juice
- Fresh parsley
- Fresh thyme
Instructions
- Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels and let sit for 10-15 minutes to air dry.
- In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Sprinkle spice mix over both sides of chicken thighs, rubbing it in well. Drizzle with olive oil and rub to coat evenly.
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Place chicken thighs in the air fryer basket skin-side down, ensuring they are not overlapping.
- Cook for 12 minutes until skin starts to turn golden and crisp.
- Flip chicken over and cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer chicken to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes.
- While chicken rests, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until it turns light golden brown and smells nutty.
- Remove from heat and stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped fresh herbs.
- Drizzle the warm lemon herb butter over the rested chicken and serve immediately.
Notes
Ensure chicken is completely dry before seasoning to maximize crispiness. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F. The lemon herb butter can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1-2 chicken thighs w
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 35
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Protein: 30
Keywords: air fryer chicken, crispy chicken thighs, lemon herb butter, easy dinner, weeknight meals, gluten-free chicken, healthy dinner