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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Garlic Easy Homemade Recipe

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This recipe delivers crispy, garlic-infused chicken thighs cooked quickly in an air fryer, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The skin crisps up beautifully while the meat stays juicy and flavorful.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 700g)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture (about 2 minutes).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine garlic powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest if using. Stir well (1 minute).
  3. Add olive oil and fresh minced garlic to the seasoning mix and mix until a paste-like coating forms (1-2 minutes).
  4. Toss the chicken thighs in the bowl, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the garlic and spice mixture (2-3 minutes).
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
  6. Place chicken thighs in the air fryer basket skin-side down, leaving space for air circulation (1-2 minutes).
  7. Cook for 12 minutes skin-side down.
  8. Flip the chicken thighs carefully with tongs and cook for another 10-12 minutes skin-side up until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  9. Remove the thighs and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken very dry before seasoning to ensure crispy skin. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation. Flip chicken after 12 minutes for even crisping. Rest chicken after cooking to keep it juicy. For extra crispiness, finish with a 2-3 minute blast at 425°F (220°C) but watch closely to avoid burning. If no air fryer is available, bake at 425°F (220°C) on a wire rack for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken, garlic chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, family meal, healthy chicken

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