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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Garlic

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A quick and easy weeknight recipe featuring bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs rubbed with fresh garlic and cooked to crispy perfection in an air fryer. Juicy, flavorful, and healthier than traditional frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (medium-sized)
  • 2–3 cloves fresh garlic, minced or pressed
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: pinch of dried thyme or rosemary

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove moisture (about 5 minutes).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper; stir until well mixed.
  3. Add chicken thighs to the bowl and toss until evenly coated with the garlic oil mixture, rubbing seasoning under the skin if possible.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
  5. Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces.
  6. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12 minutes until the skin starts to brown and crisp.
  7. Flip the chicken thighs skin-side up using tongs and continue cooking for another 10-12 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear.
  8. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry is crucial for crispy skin. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Flipping halfway through cooking helps crisp both sides. For even crispier skin, pat dry again after the first 12 minutes before flipping and finishing cooking. Leftovers reheat well in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken, garlic chicken, easy weeknight dinner, healthy chicken recipe, paleo chicken, gluten-free chicken

Find it online: https://sweetstirring.com/crispy-air-fryer-chicken-thighs-with-garlic-best-easy-weeknight-recipe/