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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Easy Garlic Herb Recipe

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These air fryer chicken thighs are irresistibly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, infused with garlic and fresh herbs for bold, comforting flavor. Quick to prepare and naturally gluten-free, they’re perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on; about 1 1/2 pounds)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon salt (preferably kosher)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from 1 lemon, optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Trim excess fat if needed, but leave the skin intact.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, minced garlic (if using), dried thyme, rosemary, parsley, salt, black pepper, paprika, and lemon zest.
  3. Toss chicken thighs in the seasoning mixture until evenly coated, rubbing some seasoning under the skin if possible.
  4. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
  5. Arrange chicken thighs skin-side up in the air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces. Cook in batches if necessary.
  6. Air fry at 400°F for 14 minutes. Flip each thigh with tongs, then cook another 8–10 minutes until skin is golden and internal temperature reaches 175°F.
  7. Transfer cooked chicken to a wire rack or plate and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  8. If skin isn’t crispy enough, return thighs to air fryer for 2–3 more minutes at 400°F.
  9. Rotate the basket halfway through cooking if pieces are browning unevenly.

Notes

Patting the chicken skin dry is crucial for crispiness. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—cook in batches if needed. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness. For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or fresh basil after cooking. Leftovers reheat best in the air fryer to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken, garlic herb chicken, gluten-free, easy chicken recipe, healthy fried chicken, weeknight dinner, comfort food

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