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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Easy Garlic Butter Recipe

crispy air fryer chicken thighs - featured image

This recipe delivers crispy, juicy chicken thighs with a rich garlic butter glaze, perfect for quick and easy weeknight dinners. The air fryer ensures a crunchy skin without the mess of deep-frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 680 g)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 large garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crisp skin.
  2. Season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  3. In a small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. Stir in the minced garlic and set aside.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
  5. Brush the chicken thighs generously with the garlic butter mixture, especially on the skin side.
  6. Place the thighs skin side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching.
  7. Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes until the skin starts to brown and crisp.
  8. Flip the thighs skin side up using tongs and brush with more garlic butter.
  9. Air fry for another 8-10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy. Rotate the basket halfway if needed.
  10. Remove the chicken and let rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices.
  11. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top and serve immediately.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry is essential for crispy skin. Apply garlic butter twice—before and after cooking—to avoid burning the garlic and maximize flavor. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Rest chicken for 5 minutes before serving. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken, garlic butter chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, keto chicken, gluten-free chicken