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Crispy Air Fryer Bone-In Chicken Thighs Easy Herb Seasoning Recipe

crispy air fryer bone-in chicken thighs - featured image

This recipe delivers crispy skin and juicy meat with a simple herb seasoning, perfect for quick and satisfying weeknight dinners using an air fryer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds / 700 grams), skin-on
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (crushed or finely chopped fresh rosemary)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • Optional: lemon zest from 1 lemon

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture from the skin and meat (about 3 minutes).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine garlic powder, dried rosemary, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add lemon zest if using.
  3. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken thighs and rub to coat evenly. Sprinkle the herb seasoning mix over the skin and under it where possible (about 5 minutes).
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overlapping.
  6. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12 minutes. Flip the thighs skin-side up using tongs and cook for another 10-12 minutes until skin is golden and crisp and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry is crucial for crispy skin. Flip the thighs halfway through cooking for even crispiness. Optional lemon zest adds brightness. For extra crispiness, finish under a broiler for 1-2 minutes if desired. Leftovers reheat best in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep skin crispy.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken, bone-in chicken, herb seasoning, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, gluten-free, low carb