Air Fryer Greek Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Greek Chicken Thighs are a flavorful and healthy meal that’s easy to make in your air fryer. Tender, juicy chicken thighs seasoned with Greek spices make for a quick weeknight dinner.

Air Fryer Greek Chicken Thighs are a simple yet delicious meal that brings the bold flavors of Greece right to your kitchen. Marinated in a blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and other Mediterranean herbs and spices, these chicken thighs come out perfectly crispy on the outside while staying juicy and tender on the inside.

The air fryer ensures a faster, healthier cooking process without sacrificing flavor, making it an ideal dish for busy weeknights or meal prep. Pair with a side of roasted vegetables, a fresh Greek salad, or some tzatziki sauce for a complete and satisfying meal.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• The air fryer ensures a crispy, golden-brown exterior while keeping the chicken thighs tender and juicy inside.
• Packed with bold Greek-inspired flavors, these chicken thighs are marinated in a delicious blend of olive oil, lemon, garlic, and oregano.
• They cook quickly and easily, making them perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead.
• With a healthier cooking method, you get all the crispy goodness without the extra oil and fat from traditional frying.
• Versatile and flavorful, they pair wonderfully with a variety of sides like fresh salads, roasted vegetables, or creamy tzatziki sauce.

Ingredients Needed

• Chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on: Juicy, tender chicken thighs with crispy skin.
• Olive oil: Rich, flavorful oil for marinating and crisping.
• Lemon juice: Fresh citrus juice for tangy brightness.
• Lemon zest: Aromatic citrus peel for extra flavor.
• Dried oregano: Mediterranean herb for bold, earthy taste.
• Dried thyme: Fragrant herb with a savory touch.
• Dried rosemary, or paprika: Earthy rosemary or smoky paprika for depth.
• Garlic powder, or minced garlic: Savory, aromatic garlic flavor.
• Onion powder: Sweet, mild onion flavor without the crunch.
• Kosher salt, or sea salt: Enhances all the savory flavors perfectly.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground pepper for a little heat.
• Red onion, diced (optional): Sweet and crunchy onion for added texture.

How To Make Air Fryer Greek Chicken

Step One: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This step helps achieve crispy skin. In a large bowl, combine extra-virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic (or garlic powder), dried oregano, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.

Step Two: Place the thighs in a resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F (190°C) for a few minutes to ensure even cooking.

Step Three: Remove the marinated chicken thighs from the refrigerator. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin side up. Avoid overcrowding the basket; you may need to cook in batches if necessary.

Step Four: Air Fry the chicken thighs in the preheated air fryer, and set cook time for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The skin should become crispy and golden brown, and the internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step Five: A meat thermometer ensures the chicken is cooked. It should no longer be pink in the center, and the juices should run clear. Remove the Greek Chicken Thighs from the air fryer. Garnish them with sliced red onions and freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.

Air Fryer Greek Chicken Thighs Recipe Tips

• Dry the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels before marinating. This step helps achieve a crispy, golden skin.
• Use Bone-In, Skin-On Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are ideal for the air fryer, as they retain moisture and help the skin get crispy.
• Marinate for Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to ensure the flavors penetrate deeply. You can also marinate overnight for even better results.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: For crispy skin, place the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
• Check the Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe and perfectly cooked chicken.
• Flip Halfway: Flip the chicken thighs halfway through cooking for even crispiness on both sides.
• Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste. Add more garlic, lemon, or herbs to customize the flavor.

Storing

• Storing: After cooking, allow the Air Fryer Greek Chicken Thighs to cool to room temperature before storing. Place the leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, first allow the cooked chicken thighs to cool completely. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes or until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat in the oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes. For stovetop reheating, cover with foil and heat over low heat to prevent the chicken from drying out.

What To Serve With Air Fryer Greek Chicken

Air Fryer Greek Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes to create a balanced, flavorful meal. You can serve it with a refreshing Greek salad made with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, olives, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean touch. For something heartier, try roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or sweet potatoes. A side of warm pita bread or rice pilaf is perfect for soaking up the delicious marinade. For a lighter option, steamed or sautéed greens like spinach, or kale.

Air Fryer Greek Chicken Thighs Recipe Faqs

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs? Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, but the cooking time may be shorter. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook.

How long should I marinate the chicken thighs? For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. However, if you have more time, marinating for a few hours or overnight will enhance the flavor even more.

What should the internal temperature be? The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.

Can I add vegetables to the air fryer with the chicken? Yes! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or potatoes. Just be sure they are cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried? Absolutely! Fresh herbs will work well in place of dried herbs. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs to dried.

What should I serve with Air Fryer Greek Chicken Thighs? Serve with a side of Greek salad, rice pilaf, roasted vegetables, or warm pita bread to complement the Mediterranean flavors.

Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, you can freeze leftovers. Just let the chicken cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer or oven for the best texture.

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Air Fryer Greek Chicken Thighs are a delicious, healthy meal perfect for any night of the week. These chicken thighs are tender, juicy, and full of flavor.

They are easy to prepare and only require a few simple ingredients. You will love how quickly they cook in the air fryer and how crispy they turn out. Serve them with your favorite sides for a fantastic dinner that everyone will love.

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