Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Herbs

Crispy air fryer chicken thighs are juicy, tender, and perfectly seasoned. This simple dinner is a weeknight family favorite.

Chicken thighs are flavorful and versatile. Cooking them in the air fryer yields a crisp exterior with a tender, juicy interior every time. A quick lemon-based marinade and a sprinkle of seasoning make this an easy recipe you’ll turn to often. Serve with a salad, pasta, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and easy. The thighs are ready in under 30 minutes, making them ideal for busy weeknights.
• Great for meal prep. Make a larger batch to refrigerate or freeze for quick lunches and dinners all week.
• Flexible. Use the cooked thighs anywhere you would use cooked chicken—salads, pasta dishes, sandwiches, or grain bowls.

How to Make Easy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Ingredients

See the recipe card below for the full ingredient list, step-by-step directions, notes, and nutrition estimates.

• Chicken thighs – Boneless, skinless thighs are convenient and great for meal prep. If you prefer bone-in, skin-on thighs, increase the cook time and check for a 165ºF internal temperature.
• Lemon – One lemon provides juice for the quick marinade and wedges for serving.
• Seasoning – Use a house blend like Stone House Seasoning or a mix of 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic if you don’t have a prepared blend.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep. Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF. Cut the lemon in half; use the juice of one half for the marinade and slice the remaining half into wedges for serving.
2. Season the chicken. Place the thighs in a mixing bowl, squeeze the lemon juice over them, and sprinkle both sides with the seasoning blend. Toss to coat evenly.
3. Cook. Arrange the thighs in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook 12 minutes, flip, and continue cooking until the thickest part reads 165ºF on an instant-read thermometer, about 6 more minutes.
4. Serve. Transfer to a plate and serve with lemon wedges.

Storage Tips

To store leftovers. Cool the chicken and place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

To freeze. Cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or air fryer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here is the recipe card for Air Fryer Chicken Thighs. I hope you enjoy it!

Enjoy!
Robyn xo