
🍋 Air Fryer Herb & Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs
Juicy, zesty, and perfectly golden — all in under 30 minutes!
This air fryer chicken thigh recipe is packed with fresh herbs, tangy lemon, and a garlicky punch. It’s an easy, healthy dinner idea that’s weeknight-approved and meal-prep friendly.
🛒 Ingredients:
- 1.5–2 lbs (700–900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (plus extra lemon wedges for garnish)
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Optional: Lemon zest for extra brightness
🔪 Instructions:
1️⃣ Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Garlic
- Rosemary, parsley, oregano, paprika
- Salt & pepper
Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly.
Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 2 hours for maximum flavor. (Optional, but totally worth it!)
2️⃣ Preheat & Arrange
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
Place the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
➡️ Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking and crispy edges.
3️⃣ Air Fry
Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 16–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Check doneness: internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C).
Want extra crispy edges? Add 1–2 more minutes at the end.
4️⃣ Serve & Garnish
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
Garnish with lemon wedges, extra fresh parsley, or a sprinkle of lemon zest for brightness.
Pair with roasted veggies, a crisp green salad, or fluffy rice for a balanced meal.
📝 Tips & Variations:
- Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the marinade for depth.
- Works just as well with bone-in chicken thighs (increase cook time to 22–24 mins).
- Don’t skip the rest time — it locks in the juiciness.
⏱️ At a Glance:
- Prep Time: 10 mins (plus marinating)
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30–45 mins
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~280 per serving
💬 Final Thoughts:
This air fryer herb and lemon garlic chicken is the ultimate fuss-free recipe that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re eating clean, meal-prepping, or just need a fast family-friendly dinner, this dish checks every box. 🍗💚