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Crispy Garlic Butter Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

crispy garlic butter air fryer chicken thighs - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for perfectly juicy and crispy chicken thighs infused with garlic butter, cooked in an air fryer for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano (optional)
  • Zest of half a lemon (about 1 teaspoon, optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure maximum crispiness. (5 minutes)
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, dried thyme or oregano, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed. (5 minutes)
  3. Using a brush or spoon, generously coat each chicken thigh with the garlic butter mixture, making sure to get under the skin where possible. (5 minutes)
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Place the chicken thighs skin side down in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook for 10 minutes.
  6. Flip the chicken thighs skin side up and cook for another 10-12 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). (20-22 minutes total cooking time)
  7. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Pat chicken skin dry before seasoning for best crispiness. Preheat the air fryer to help skin crisp immediately. Avoid overcrowding the basket for even cooking. Flip chicken halfway through cooking for even crisping. If garlic browns too quickly, reduce amount or add halfway through cooking. Rest chicken after cooking to keep meat juicy. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil or vegan butter. Can be cooked in a convection oven at 425°F for 35-40 minutes on a wire rack, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken, garlic butter chicken, easy chicken recipe, juicy chicken thighs, quick dinner, low-carb chicken