Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs (So Easy, So Juicy!)
If there’s one recipe that never fails to impress with almost zero effort, it’s these golden, lemon-garlic air fryer chicken thighs. They’re the perfect mix of crispy on the outside and unbelievably juicy inside — the kind of chicken that makes everyone ask “How did you make this?”
And the best part? You only need a handful of everyday ingredients and about 12 minutes in the air fryer. Whether you’re cooking for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this is a no-stress recipe that turns out beautifully every single time.
🌿 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy skin without deep frying
- Simple Mediterranean-style marinade
- Ready in under 20 minutes
- Works with bone-in or boneless thighs
- Perfect for salads, bowls, wraps, or straight off the plate
🧄 Ingredients
- 4–6 chicken thighs
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp oregano
🥣 The Quick Lemon-Garlic Marinade
This marinade is simple but incredibly flavorful. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano. Toss the chicken until everything is coated evenly.
Even a short 10-minute soak gives the thighs a bright, savory flavor. If you have more time, let them marinate longer for deeper seasoning.
🍗 How to Cook Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place thighs in a single layer, skin-side up.
- Air fry for 12 minutes, or until crispy, golden, and cooked to 165°F internally.
- Let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
Bone-in thighs may need 2–4 extra minutes depending on size.
🔥 Tips for Perfect Crispy Chicken
- Don’t overcrowd the basket — air flow = crisp.
- Pat the chicken dry before marinating for even more crunch.
- Want color? Add a pinch of smoked paprika.
- Like heat? Add chili flakes or cayenne to the marinade.
