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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe with Garlic Herb Butter Easy and Perfect

crispy air fryer chicken thighs - featured image

This recipe delivers crispy, juicy chicken thighs cooked in an air fryer and coated with flavorful garlic herb butter. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or cozy meals with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g)
  • 4 tablespoons (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter: In a small bowl, combine softened unsalted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme leaves, chopped rosemary, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until fragrant and well-blended. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
  2. Prep the Chicken Thighs: Pat dry the chicken thighs with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Rub olive oil evenly over the skin.
  3. Season the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs and rub in well.
  4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set air fryer to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC) and run empty for 3 minutes to warm up.
  5. Air Fry the Chicken: Place thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket without overlapping. Cook for 12 minutes.
  6. Flip and Add Garlic Herb Butter: Flip thighs skin-side up using tongs. Dollop half of the garlic herb butter over each thigh.
  7. Continue Cooking: Air fry for an additional 10-12 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165ยฐF (74ยฐC) and skin is deep golden and crispy.
  8. Rest and Serve: Remove chicken from air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes. Spread remaining garlic herb butter over the top while warm. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken skin dry before seasoning for maximum crispiness. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165ยฐF (74ยฐC). Add garlic herb butter after flipping to avoid burning. Let chicken rest before serving to retain juiciness. Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer at 350ยฐF for 5-7 minutes to refresh crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery skin.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken, garlic herb butter, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, bone-in chicken, air fryer recipe