Crispy Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer
Crispy Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer
If you love crispy chicken with juicy, flavorful meat, these Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs are about to become your new favorite air fryer recipe! They’re seasoned to perfection, bursting with tangy lemon and aromatic black pepper, and cooked until the skin is golden and crunchy.
Best of all? No deep frying, no mess — just simple ingredients and your trusty air fryer!
💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Extra crispy skin without oil splatter
✅ Perfectly juicy, flavorful meat every time
✅ Simple prep with pantry ingredients
✅ Ready in under 30 minutes
This recipe works beautifully for both bone-in, skin-on thighs or boneless versions — the air fryer handles it all!
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on recommended)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp cracked black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Optional garnish: lemon wedges and fresh parsley
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Chicken
Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels — this is key for crispy skin.
In a bowl, combine olive oil (or butter), lemon juice, and seasonings. Rub the mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure to coat under the skin for maximum flavor.
2️⃣ Air Fry
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the basket.
Air fry for 12 minutes, then flip and cook for another 10–12 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
(For extra crispiness, you can increase the temp to 400°F for the final 2 minutes.)
3️⃣ Serve & Enjoy
Squeeze a little fresh lemon juice on top and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
🌟 Tips for the Best Results
- Dry the skin well before seasoning — moisture prevents crisping.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Air circulation is what makes the chicken golden.
- Add zest! Grate some lemon peel into your seasoning mix for even more citrus punch.
- Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer for perfect juiciness every time.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve your air fryer lemon pepper chicken thighs with:
- Air Fryer Garlic Butter Brussels Sprouts 🥦
- Roasted potatoes or mashed cauliflower 🥔
- A crisp side salad with lemon vinaigrette 🥗
