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Lemon Pepper Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Lemon Pepper Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Recipe Details

Prep 10 m
Cook 22 m
Total 32 m
Serves 4
Calories 380 kcal
Level Medium

"These air fryer chicken thighs are a flavor explosion, combining zesty fresh lemon juice with the bold kick of cracked black pepper. With a skin so crispy it crackles and meat that stays incredibly succulent, they are the ultimate easy weeknight dinner solution."

1 Ingredients

Qty Item
2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1 large lemon (zested and juiced)
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

2 Instructions

1

Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels; removing moisture is essential for crispy skin.

2

In a small mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon zest, 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.

3

Rub the seasoning mixture thoroughly over each chicken thigh, ensuring you get under the skin for maximum flavor penetration.

4

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for 3 minutes.

5

Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin-side down, ensuring they are not touching or overlapping.

6

Air fry for 12 minutes. Carefully flip the thighs over so the skin-side is facing up.

7

Continue cooking for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the skin is golden-brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

8

Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon before serving.


💡 Tips & Tricks

  • ·

    For the crispiest skin, dry the chicken and let it sit uncovered in the fridge for 30 minutes before seasoning.

  • ·

    Don't overcrowd the basket; air needs to circulate freely around each piece of chicken.

  • ·

    If your lemon pepper seasoning contains a lot of salt, reduce the additional kosher salt added to the rub.

  • ·

    Use a digital meat thermometer to prevent overcooking; thighs are most succulent at 165°F to 175°F.


? Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?
Yes, but they cook faster. Reduce the total cooking time to approximately 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is naturally low-carb and keto-friendly as it uses no flour or breading.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to regain the crispy texture.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the best flavor and for the use of the zest, which provides the most intense citrus aroma.

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