Crispy Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs Air Fryer Recipe
A quick and easy air fryer recipe delivering perfectly crispy chicken thighs with a bright, tangy lemon pepper seasoning and juicy meat inside.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 24 minutes
- Total Time: 34 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds / 700 g)
- 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels for about 3 minutes to ensure crisp skin.
- In a small mixing bowl, drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil over the chicken thighs. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt evenly. Toss gently to coat all sides (about 2 minutes).
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
- Arrange the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket skin-side down, ensuring they do not touch or overlap (fits about 4 thighs comfortably).
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12 minutes. Flip the thighs with tongs and cook an additional 10-12 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy.
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes. Optionally, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top before serving.
Notes
Drying the chicken skin thoroughly before seasoning is crucial for crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Flipping halfway through cooking promotes even browning. Optionally, add a pinch of garlic powder for deeper flavor. For easier cleanup, place parchment paper with holes under the chicken in the air fryer basket.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: One chicken thigh
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 20
- Protein: 20
Keywords: lemon pepper chicken, air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, gluten-free, dairy-free