Print

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe with Garlic Herb Butter Easy and Perfect

crispy air fryer chicken thighs - featured image
Print Recipe

This recipe delivers crispy, juicy chicken thighs cooked in an air fryer and finished with a rich garlic herb butter, perfect for quick and flavorful weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds / 700 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried)
  • ½ teaspoon lemon zest
  • Pinch of salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Toss the chicken thighs in the seasoning mix until evenly coated. Let them rest for 10 minutes at room temperature.
  3. Mix softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, lemon zest, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Set aside at room temperature.
  4. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
  5. Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook for 12 minutes.
  6. Flip the thighs skin-side up and cook for another 10-12 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and skin is golden and crispy.
  7. Remove chicken thighs and immediately brush garlic herb butter over the hot skin to melt and infuse flavor.
  8. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Pat chicken skin dry before seasoning for extra crispiness. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Garlic herb butter can be made ahead and brought to room temperature before use. For dairy-free, substitute butter with plant-based spread or olive oil mixture.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken, garlic herb butter, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, low-carb chicken, keto chicken, gluten-free chicken

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/crispy-air-fryer-chicken-thighs-recipe-with-garlic-herb-butter-easy-and-perfect/