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Crispy Lemon Pepper Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

crispy lemon pepper air fryer chicken thighs - featured image
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Easy 5-minute prep recipe for juicy, crispy chicken thighs with a bright lemon pepper flavor, cooked perfectly in the air fryer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds / 700 grams)
  • 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt (kosher salt preferred)
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Zest of 1 fresh lemon
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for crispy skin. (5 minutes)
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and fresh lemon zest. Mix well to create a flavorful rub. (2 minutes)
  3. Add chicken thighs to the bowl and toss thoroughly, making sure each piece is evenly coated in the seasoning mix. Use your hands or tongs for best coverage. (3 minutes)
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
  5. Place the chicken thighs skin side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd; cook in batches if needed. (1 minute)
  6. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12 minutes. Halfway through (around 6 minutes), flip the thighs skin side up to ensure even crispiness and browning.
  7. Check doneness with a meat thermometer; internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If not quite there, add 2-3 more minutes but watch closely to avoid drying out.
  8. Remove chicken thighs and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry is essential for crispy skin. Preheat the air fryer for best results. Flip chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness. If skin isn’t crispy enough, give a quick 2-minute blast at 425°F but watch closely to avoid burning. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if needed. Let chicken rest before serving to keep it juicy. Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 4-5 minutes to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon pepper chicken, air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, lemon zest, healthy chicken

Find it online: https://avabake.com/crispy-lemon-pepper-air-fryer-chicken-thighs-easy-5-minute-recipe-for-juicy-flavor/