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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe Easy Garlic Herb Crust Guide

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This recipe delivers crispy, juicy chicken thighs with a flavorful garlic herb crust, cooked quickly and easily in the air fryer. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, it combines simple ingredients with a modern twist on classic comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Zest of 1 medium lemon
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Optional gluten-free twist: light coating of almond flour

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels (about 2 minutes).
  2. In a medium bowl, combine minced garlic, chopped parsley, rosemary, thyme, olive oil, lemon zest, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form a fragrant paste (about 3 minutes).
  3. Rub the garlic herb mixture evenly all over the chicken thighs, including under the skin. Set aside to marinate for 10 minutes (or up to 1 hour in the fridge for deeper flavor).
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook in batches if necessary.
  6. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes until the skin starts turning golden.
  7. Flip the chicken thighs skin-side up using tongs and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy.
  8. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.

Notes

Drying the chicken thoroughly is crucial for crispy skin. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Rest the chicken before serving to keep it juicy. For extra crispiness, increase temperature by 10-15°F in the last few minutes but watch closely to avoid burning. Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy skin.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, air fryer chicken, garlic herb chicken, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, crispy skin chicken, gluten-free chicken

Find it online: https://avabake.com/crispy-air-fryer-chicken-thighs-recipe-easy-garlic-herb-crust-guide/