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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Easy Garlic Butter Recipe for Perfect Dinner

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This recipe delivers crispy, juicy chicken thighs with a luscious garlic butter finish, perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner. The air fryer method ensures a crunchy skin without excess oil.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Pat 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Dry skin is key for crispiness. Set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, melt 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of unsalted butter. Stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic, a pinch of salt, ½ teaspoon (1 g) paprika, and optional herbs like ¼ teaspoon (0.5 g) of dried thyme. Allow this to cool slightly.
  3. Drizzle 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil over the thighs, then sprinkle with salt (about 1 teaspoon or 5 g) and pepper (½ teaspoon or 1 g). Toss gently to coat evenly.
  4. Using a brush or spoon, coat each chicken thigh generously with the garlic butter mixture, making sure to get under the skin where possible for extra flavor.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat up for about 5 minutes.
  6. Place the thighs skin-side down in the basket without overcrowding. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip the chicken to skin-side up using tongs.
  7. Cook for another 10-12 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy.
  8. Remove from the air fryer and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top to brighten the rich garlic butter flavors.
  9. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Dry the chicken skin thoroughly before seasoning to ensure crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation. Brush garlic butter before cooking and add a little extra after cooking to prevent burning. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest before serving to keep it juicy. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness; avoid microwaving to keep skin crunchy.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken, garlic butter chicken, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, healthy fried chicken, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/crispy-air-fryer-chicken-thighs-easy-garlic-butter-recipe-for-perfect-dinner/