Description
Crispy and flavorful air fryer chicken thighs seasoned with lemon, garlic, and onion powders, offering a juicy, tender interior with a perfectly browned, crispy skin. This quick and easy recipe delivers a delicious meal in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights or any time you crave moist chicken with a zesty kick.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs
Seasoning & Marinade
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, lemon pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt until well combined to create the flavorful seasoning base.
- Season the chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and thoroughly massage the seasoning mixture into each thigh, making sure the entire surface is evenly coated for maximum flavor infusion.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat to ensure even cooking and a crispy finish on the chicken skin.
- Initial cooking: Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket skin-side down and cook for 15 minutes. This step starts rendering the fat and crisps the skin from underneath.
- Flip and finish cooking: Turn the chicken thighs over and continue cooking for an additional 8 to 12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them rest briefly before serving to keep the juices locked in and enjoy the perfectly crispy, flavorful chicken.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked to 165°F for safety and optimal juiciness.
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a crispier skin.
- You can adjust the lemon pepper amount to taste for more or less tanginess.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer to retain crispiness.
- If your air fryer basket is small, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.