Easy Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs

Juicy, flavorful, and perfectly crispy, Easy Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs are a simple weeknight dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes. The zesty lemon and savory garlic marinade infuses each bite, making this dish irresistible for the whole family.

Bright, zesty, and packed with flavor, Easy Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs are the ultimate weeknight dinner solution.

Juicy on the inside with a perfectly crispy skin, these chicken thighs are marinated in a simple blend of lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, then cooked quickly in the air fryer.

Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re ideal for busy nights, family meals, or anytime you crave a tangy, savory chicken dish without the hassle.

Don’t just stop at chicken thighs! There are so many different ways to enjoy Lemon flavor like AIR FRYER LEMON GARLIC HERB SALMON, ROASTED LEMON GARLIC MUSHROOMS, and AIR FRYER GARLIC AND LEMON SHRIMP.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe!

• Juicy and tender: The chicken stays moist inside while getting crispy on the outside.
• Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Burst of flavor: Fresh lemon and garlic infuse each bite with zesty, savory goodness.
• Minimal cleanup: Air fryer cooking keeps your kitchen mess-free.
• Family-friendly: Mild, delicious flavors that both kids and adults will enjoy.

Ingredients Needed

• Chicken Thighs: Use either bone-in or boneless. Either will work with this lemon garlic chicken recipe.
• Olive Oil: You can also use any other high-heat oil such as coconut oil, avocado oil, or grapeseed oil.
• Lemon Juice: Adds some great flavor to your chicken
• Seasonings: Salt, Black Pepper, and Garlic Powder

How To Make Easy Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. This will make the spices stick better and, in the end, give your chicken a better texture. Spread the olive oil and lemon juice over all sides, then rub the spices onto the surface.

Step 2: Place the coated chicken thighs into the air fryer basket, in a single layer. Set the air fryer temperature to 360 degrees F, and set the cook time for 18-20 minutes. Flipping halfway during the cooking process.

Easy Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe Tips

• Pat the chicken dry first: Removing excess moisture helps the spices stick and ensures a crispier skin.
• Even spacing: Arrange chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket for uniform cooking.
• Flip halfway through: Turning the chicken midway helps achieve even browning and crispiness on all sides.
• Adjust seasoning to taste: Add extra garlic, lemon zest, or herbs to suit your flavor preference.
• Rest before serving: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to lock in juices.
• Optional marinade: Marinating the chicken for 20–30 minutes before air frying enhances flavor.
• Serve immediately: For maximum crispiness, enjoy right after cooking; leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer.

Storing Instructions

• Refrigerate: Place leftover chicken in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to maintain crispiness, or reheat in the oven. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the skin crispy.
• Freeze: Wrap chicken thighs individually or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat directly in the air fryer or oven for best results.
• Tip: Store extra lemon garlic sauce separately and drizzle over the chicken when serving to keep it fresh and flavorful.

Easy Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe Faqs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in? Absolutely. Boneless thighs cook faster, so shave a few minutes off the time and keep an eye on the internal temperature—it should hit 165°F.

Do I need to marinate the chicken first? Nope. The lemon, garlic, and oil combo adds plenty of flavor without a long soak. If you want to marinate, 30 minutes in the fridge is plenty.

Can I use chicken breasts instead? Yes, but they’ll cook quicker and can dry out. Start checking at the 12–14 minute mark and pull them when they reach 165°F.

Why pat the chicken dry before cooking? Drying the chicken helps the seasoning grip the surface and gives you that golden, lightly crisp finish the air fryer does so well.

Can I double the recipe? You can—just don’t overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches so the thighs get proper airflow and crisp up.

What’s the best way to tell when the chicken is done? Use a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F at the thickest part of the thigh.

Can I add vegetables to the air fryer at the same time? If the veggies cook in roughly the same timeframe—like green beans or zucchini—go for it. Just keep everything in a single layer.

How do I keep the thighs juicy? Bone-in, skin-on thighs are naturally forgiving, but avoiding overcooking is key. Start checking a couple of minutes early.

More Air Fryer Chicken Thigh Recipes

• AIR FRYER GREEK CHICKEN THIGHS
• AIR FRYER BACON WRAPPED CHICKEN THIGHS
• AIR FRYER TRADER JOE’S SHAWARMA CHICKEN THIGHS
• AIR FRYER CHILI LIME CHICKEN THIGHS

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