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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe Easy Garlic Butter Flavor

crispy air fryer chicken thighs - featured image

This recipe delivers irresistibly crispy chicken thighs with a rich garlic butter flavor, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or special occasions. Using an air fryer ensures a crispy skin and juicy meat every time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g)
  • 45 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • A handful fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder on both sides. (5 minutes)
  2. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in minced garlic and cook gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat and, if using, add lemon juice. (5 minutes)
  3. Place the seasoned chicken in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat. Then brush or pour half of the garlic butter mixture over the chicken, making sure to get under the skin if possible. (3 minutes)
  4. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. (3 minutes)
  5. Arrange the thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd. Cook for 12 minutes at 400°F (200°C). (12 minutes)
  6. Using tongs, flip the thighs skin-side up. Brush with the remaining garlic butter. Cook for another 10-12 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). (10–12 minutes)
  7. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to lock in juices. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. (5 minutes)

Notes

Patting the chicken dry before seasoning is essential for crispy skin. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (165°F/74°C). For extra crispiness, give the skin a 2-3 minute blast at 425°F (220°C) at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning. Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, air fryer chicken, garlic butter chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, crispy skin chicken