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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe Easy Garlic Butter Perfection

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This recipe delivers perfectly crispy chicken thighs with a rich garlic butter coating, cooked quickly in an air fryer for a juicy, flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (1.5 to 2 pounds / 680 to 900 grams)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (about 43 grams), melted
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning (optional). Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil over the chicken, then toss thighs in the seasoning mix until evenly coated.
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  4. Place the thighs skin-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not crowded.
  5. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes, then flip the thighs skin-side up and continue cooking for another 10-12 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy and golden.
  6. While the chicken cooks, melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice. Let rest for a minute.
  7. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and immediately brush or drizzle the garlic butter over each thigh.
  8. Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry for best crispiness. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed. Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for optimal texture. Melt butter and stir in garlic off heat to avoid bitterness. Reheat leftovers in air fryer to maintain crispiness. Optional seasoning and ingredient swaps include smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, fresh herbs, and vegan butter for dairy-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken, garlic butter chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/crispy-air-fryer-chicken-thighs-recipe-easy-garlic-butter-perfection/