Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs

Air fryer chicken thighs are juicy and crispy, and this lemon‑garlic recipe comes together in about 30 minutes without standing over a skillet. It yields golden, flavorful chicken using a simple lemon‑garlic rub and is perfect for dinner with rice, potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and juicy: the air fryer makes chicken thighs perfectly crisp on the outside and tender inside
• Quick and convenient: ready in about 30 minutes with minimal cleanup
• Flavorful and versatile: a simple lemon-garlic rub pairs well with many sides

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes.

Coat the chicken thighs with the lemon-garlic rub and olive oil. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C), then cook the thighs skin-side down for 10 minutes. Flip and cook for another 8‑12 minutes until the skin is crisp and the meat is cooked through. Rest for 5 minutes and enjoy with a squeeze of extra lemon juice

Tips & Variations for Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken thighs for 30 minutes before air frying. Swap thighs for drumsticks or breasts, adjusting cooking time as needed. Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes for heat, or top with fresh herbs like parsley or dill.

Storage & Reheat for Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 4-5 minutes to restore crispiness, or warm in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes.

Nutrition & Benefits

These air-fried chicken thighs are lower in oil and calories compared to deep frying, yet they still deliver crispy skin and juicy meat. Chicken thighs provide protein and iron, while lemon and garlic add vitamin C and antioxidants.

Have a question or tried this recipe? Leave a comment below! If you enjoyed it, check out our Easy Chickpea Curry recipe for another flavorful meal.

FAQs for Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs or breasts? Yes. You can make this recipe with boneless, skinless thighs or even chicken breasts, but bone-in, skin-on thighs deliver the juiciest, crispiest results. Reduce the cooking time by about 3–5 minutes for boneless pieces and always check that the meat is cooked through before serving.

What’s the safe internal temperature for air fryer chicken thighs? Cook chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C). Use an instant‑read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat. For more details, see the USDA safe cooking temperature guidelines.

How far ahead can I season or marinate the chicken? You can season the chicken just before cooking or marinate it up to 24 hours in advance. A longer marination time intensifies the lemon and garlic flavours. Store the seasoned chicken in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.

What side dishes go well with air fryer chicken thighs? These chicken

Can I cook frozen chicken thighs in the air fryer? It’s best to thaw chicken thighs overnight in the refrigerator before cooking. While the air fryer can cook frozen meat, thawing ensures the chicken cooks evenly and absorbs the lemon‑garlic rub properly. If cooking from frozen, increase the cook time and always check that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C).thighs pair nicely with salads, roasted or air-fried vegetables, rice, quinoa, or potatoes. Try serving them with a simple garden salad or steamed broccoli for a balanced mea

For more sides, consider roasted sweet potatoes, quinoa salad or crusty bread to round out

Can I reuse the leftover lemon‑garlic rub? No — discard any rub that has touched raw chicken to avoid cross‑contamination. Make a fresh batch if you want extra sauce for basting or dipping.your plate.l.