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Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Succulent chicken thighs marinated in garlic, lemon, and spices, air-fried to crispy perfection.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Main
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Easy
Servings: 4 servings

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Resealable Plastic Bag

Ingredients

Chicken Thighs

  • 8 pieces skin-on chicken thighs

Marinade Ingredients

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ piece lemon, zested
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste lemon slices, for garnish
  • to taste fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  • Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, paprika, lemon zest, lemon juice, and olive oil. Mix well until the ingredients are thoroughly combined into a marinade.
  • Step 2: Take the chicken thighs and place them in a large resealable plastic bag or a bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl, and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  • Step 3: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes.
  • Step 4: Once marinated, take the chicken thighs out of the bag or bowl, letting any excess marinade drip off. Place the thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket.
  • Step 5: Air fry the chicken thighs at 380°F (193°C) for 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.
  • Step 6: Check that the chicken thighs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If they need more time, return them to the air fryer for an additional 5 minutes.
  • Step 7: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices.

Notes

For extra crispy skin, give it one last blast under the broiler for 2-3 minutes.