Print

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Easy Garlic Herb Butter Recipe for Perfect Dinner

crispy air fryer chicken thighs - featured image

This recipe delivers crispy, juicy chicken thighs with a rich garlic herb butter flavor, perfect for quick dinners or meal prep. Using an air fryer locks in juiciness while creating a golden, crispy skin.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (or garlic powder as substitute)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • Optional: red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions

  1. Pat 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help the skin crisp up nicely. (5 minutes)
  2. In a bowl, mix 4 tablespoons softened unsalted butter with 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley, 1 teaspoon each of thyme and rosemary, 1 teaspoon paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Add a teaspoon of lemon zest if using. Stir until well combined. (5 minutes)
  3. Rub the chicken all over with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Using a spoon or brush, generously spread the garlic herb butter under the skin and on top. (5 minutes)
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it warm up for 3 minutes. (3 minutes)
  5. Place the thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket without overlapping. Cook for 10 minutes. Flip and cook skin-side up for another 10-12 minutes until the internal temperature reads 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy. (20-22 minutes)
  6. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to keep the juices locked in. Spoon any melted garlic herb butter from the basket over the thighs before serving for extra flavor. (5 minutes)

Notes

Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure crispy skin. Spread garlic herb butter under the skin for flavor and moisture. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Flip chicken halfway through cooking for even crisping. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let chicken rest before serving. For dairy-free, substitute butter with plant-based butter and use coconut oil for crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken, garlic herb butter chicken, easy dinner, quick chicken recipe, healthy chicken, gluten-free chicken