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Crispy 18-Minute Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Garlic Herb Butter

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Quick and easy air fryer chicken thighs with crispy skin and a luscious garlic herb butter finish, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, rosemary), finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and trim any excess fat.
  2. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Rub olive oil evenly over each chicken thigh, then sprinkle the seasoning mix all over, coating both sides.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
  5. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
  6. Cook for 9 minutes, then flip the thighs and cook for an additional 9 minutes until skin is golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. While the chicken cooks, melt the butter gently in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl.
  8. Stir in minced garlic, chopped herbs, and lemon juice if using, and simmer on low heat for 2 minutes to infuse flavors.
  9. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and immediately brush generously with the garlic herb butter.
  10. Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before seasoning for best crispiness. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to avoid soggy skin. Brush garlic herb butter immediately after cooking to lock in moisture and flavor. Rest chicken before serving for juicy results. For dairy-free, substitute butter with vegan butter or olive oil.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/crispy-18-minute-air-fryer-chicken-thighs-with-garlic-herb-butter-recipe/