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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Garlic Herb Rub (Best Easy Recipe)

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These crispy air fryer chicken thighs with garlic herb rub are quick, easy, and deliver unbelievably crispy skin without deep frying. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, they’re a crowd-pleaser that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 to 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 to 2 pounds total)
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or 3/4 teaspoon table salt)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
  • Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Take the chicken thighs out of the fridge about 15 minutes before cooking. Pat each thigh dry thoroughly with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to break up any clumps.
  3. Place the dried chicken thighs in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat. Sprinkle the garlic herb rub over the chicken and massage into all surfaces.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin side down, with space between each.
  6. Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 12 minutes without opening the basket.
  7. Using tongs, flip the chicken thighs so the skin side is up. Cook for another 10-12 minutes at 380°F (193°C) until deep golden brown and crispy.
  8. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. If not, cook in 2-minute increments.
  9. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let rest on a plate for 5 minutes.
  10. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

Dry the chicken thoroughly for crispiest skin. Preheat the air fryer for best results. If chicken browns too fast but isn’t cooked through, lower temperature to 360°F (182°C) and add a few minutes. For boneless thighs, reduce cooking time to 12-15 minutes. Leftovers reheat best in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-4 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken thighs, garlic herb chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, meal prep chicken

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