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Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs

Juicy and crispy air-fried chicken thighs marinated in lemon zest, garlic, and herbs. A quick weeknight dinner that's full of flavour.
Print Recipe
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Equipment

  • air fryer
  • tongs

Method
 

  1. Pat chicken thighs dry and place in a bowl. Toss with olive oil, lemon zest and juice, minced garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, salt and pepper.
  2. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
  3. Arrange chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10 minutes.
  4. Flip chicken thighs skin-side up and cook for another 8‑12 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy.
  5. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving with extra lemon wedges.

Notes

Oven option: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and roast chicken on a rack set over a baking sheet for 35‑40 minutes until golden and cooked through. Add vegetables: For a complete meal, toss small potatoes or broccoli florets with olive oil and salt; cook alongside the chicken in the air fryer or roast them in the oven for the last 15 minutes.