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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Easy Zesty Lemon Pepper Recipe

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A quick and easy air fryer recipe for crispy, juicy chicken thighs seasoned with zesty lemon pepper and a hint of smoked paprika. Perfect for busy weeknights and casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1 to 1.5 pounds / 450–700 grams)
  • 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt (kosher recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture (about 3 minutes).
  2. In a mixing bowl or large zip-top bag, combine lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Add olive oil and fresh lemon zest if using. Toss the chicken thighs until evenly coated (5 minutes).
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it run empty for 3-5 minutes.
  4. Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces (1-2 minutes).
  5. Cook for 10 minutes skin-side down.
  6. Flip the chicken thighs skin-side up using tongs and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes (total cook time around 20-22 minutes).
  7. Check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer; it should read 165°F (74°C). If not reached, cook for a few more minutes, checking every 2 minutes.
  8. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Pat chicken dry thoroughly for crispy skin. Preheat air fryer before cooking. Avoid overcrowding the basket to prevent soggy skin. Flip chicken halfway through cooking for even browning. Let rest before serving. For skinless thighs, reduce temperature to 375°F and cook less time. Reheat leftovers in air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness. Optional: add cayenne pepper for spice or herbs like thyme for variation.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken, lemon pepper chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, zesty chicken, healthy chicken, air fryer recipe

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