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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Easy Garlic Herb Rub Recipe

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A quick and easy recipe for crispy, juicy chicken thighs cooked in the air fryer with a flavorful garlic herb rub. Perfect for last-minute meals and weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds or 700 grams)
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • Optional: zest of half a lemon
  • Optional: ½ teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels, especially the skin (about 5 minutes).
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, dried rosemary, thyme, parsley, paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional onion powder and lemon zest. Stir well.
  3. Add olive oil to the bowl and mix until a paste-like consistency forms.
  4. Toss the chicken thighs in the garlic herb rub and massage the mixture evenly over each piece, including under the skin where possible.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
  6. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding.
  7. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12 minutes until the skin starts to crisp and brown.
  8. Flip the chicken thighs skin-side up using tongs and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  9. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let rest loosely covered with foil for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  10. If desired, for extra crispiness, return the chicken to the air fryer skin-side up for 2-3 more minutes, watching carefully.

Notes

Patting the chicken skin dry is essential for crispiness. Use olive oil in the rub to promote a golden crust. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking for even crisping. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). 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 thighs, garlic herb chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, weeknight meal, gluten-free chicken

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