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Perfect Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Herb Butter

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These air fryer chicken thighs with herb butter are ready in under 30 minutes, featuring shatteringly crispy skin and juicy, flavorful meat. A simple yet impressive weeknight dinner that tastes like it came from a restaurant.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt, for seasoning the outside
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
  • Optional garnish: extra fresh herbs and flaky sea salt

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and lemon zest (if using). Mash together with a fork until evenly distributed. Set aside at room temperature.
  2. Pat chicken thighs thoroughly dry with paper towels on both sides.
  3. Drizzle olive oil over chicken and rub in gently. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  4. Gently loosen the skin from the meat on each thigh to create a pocket without tearing. Place about 1 tablespoon of herb butter under the skin and spread evenly. Press down on the skin to smooth it out.
  5. Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 3 minutes.
  6. Place thighs skin-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. Cook for 12 minutes.
  7. Flip thighs skin-side up using tongs. Continue cooking for 8-10 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 175°F (80°C) for bone-in thighs.
  8. Remove chicken from air fryer and let rest on a plate for 5 minutes.
  9. Garnish with flaky sea salt and fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

For best results, pat chicken skin very dry and do not overcrowd the basket. Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving. If using boneless skin-on thighs, reduce cooking time to 10 minutes skin-side down and 6-8 minutes skin-side up. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/perfect-crispy-air-fryer-chicken-thighs-with-herb-butter/