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Air frying has rapidly gained popularity as a go-to cooking method, offering a healthier alternative to traditional frying while still delivering crispy, delicious results. The Zesty Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe perfectly exemplifies this trend, combining bold flavors with ease of preparation. This dish is not only packed with zesty citrus and aromatic garlic but also boasts a host of health benefits, making it a wholesome choice for any meal.

Zesty Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs

Crispy and flavorful chicken thighs marinated in a zesty lemon garlic mixture, cooked to perfection in an air fryer.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces bone-in chicken thighs, skin-on
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 pieces lemons, juice and zest
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • to taste fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to a zip-top bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
  • Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes while the chicken marinates.
  • Prepare Chicken for Air Frying: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Discard any leftover marinade. Pat the skin of the chicken thighs dry with paper towels for extra crispiness.
  • Air Fry the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 18 minutes, then flip the thighs and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The skin should be golden and crispy.
  • Rest and Serve: Once cooked, transfer the chicken thighs to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Pair with steamed vegetables or a side salad for a complete meal.

Notes

Marinating for longer enhances the flavor.
Keyword air fryer, chicken, garlic, lemon