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Crispy Lemon Pepper Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

crispy lemon pepper air fryer chicken thighs - featured image
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A quick and easy recipe for crispy, juicy chicken thighs seasoned with lemon pepper and cooked perfectly in an air fryer in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (~1.5 lbs / 700 g)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Fresh lemon (optional, for squeezing over finished chicken)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture from the skin (about 5 minutes).
  2. In a mixing bowl, drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive or avocado oil over the chicken thighs.
  3. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon salt over the chicken. Toss until evenly coated.
  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 without overlapping.
  6. Cook for 12 minutes, then flip the thighs skin-side up using tongs.
  7. Cook for an additional 10-12 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy.
  8. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  9. Optional: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the thighs before plating.

Notes

Pat chicken skin dry before seasoning for best crispiness. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Flip chicken halfway through cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. If skin is not crispy enough, cook an additional 2-3 minutes watching carefully to avoid burning. For boneless thighs, reduce cooking time to 10-12 minutes total. Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/crispy-lemon-pepper-air-fryer-chicken-thighs-recipe-easy-perfect-30-minute-meal/