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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

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Crispy air fryer chicken thighs with herb butter deliver perfectly crisp skin and juicy, tender meat in under 30 minutes. This easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds / 700 grams)
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Herb Butter:
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Herb Butter: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, chopped thyme, rosemary, lemon zest, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Mix well and set aside.
  2. Season the Chicken Thighs: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Rub each thigh with olive oil, then season generously with kosher salt and black pepper on both sides.
  3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for 3 minutes.
  4. Air Fry the Chicken: Place thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook for 12 minutes, flip, then cook for another 8-13 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and skin is crisp and golden.
  5. Add Herb Butter & Rest: Remove chicken from air fryer and immediately spread a generous dollop of herb butter over each thigh. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken skin dry before seasoning for maximum crispiness. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to avoid steaming the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Add herb butter immediately after cooking and let chicken rest to redistribute juices. If skin is not crispy enough, increase air fryer temperature by 10-15°F for last few minutes. Leftovers can be reheated in air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken, herb butter chicken, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, low-carb chicken, gluten-free chicken

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/crispy-air-fryer-chicken-thighs-5-easy-steps-for-herb-butter-perfection/