Air Fryer Garlic Herb Chicken Thighs

$- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 4 cloves of fresh garlic, minced - 2 teaspoons dried thyme - 2 teaspoons dried rosemary - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - Lemon wedges for serving For this recipe, I love using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. They stay juicy while cooking. The skin crisps up so nicely in the air fryer. The marinade is where the magic happens. I mix extra virgin olive oil, fresh minced garlic, and a blend of herbs. Dried thyme and rosemary add depth. Smoked paprika gives a subtle warmth. Be sure to season well with salt and pepper. Lemon wedges add a bright touch. They bring out the savory flavors in the chicken. So, don’t skip this part! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Drying the chicken thighs: Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This step is key. It helps the skin get crispy while cooking. 2. Making the marinade: In a large bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons each of dried thyme and rosemary, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined. This marinade brings flavor to the chicken. 3. Marinating techniques: Place the chicken thighs in the marinade. Make sure they are well coated on both sides. For best results, let them marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you can, refrigerate them for up to 2 hours. This allows the flavors to sink in deeper. 1. Preheating the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). This takes about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking from the start. 2. Arranging chicken thighs in the basket: Carefully place the marinated chicken thighs in the air fryer basket. Position them skin side up. Give them space so they cook evenly. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook in batches. 3. Monitoring cooking time and temperatures: Air fry the chicken thighs for 25-30 minutes. Flip them halfway through cooking. They are ready when the skin is golden brown and crispy. A meat thermometer should read 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. 1. Resting the chicken thighs: After cooking, take the chicken thighs out of the air fryer. Let them rest on a plate for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices settle, making the chicken juicy. 2. Serving suggestions: Serve the chicken thighs with lemon wedges on the side. The citrus adds a fresh zing that brightens the dish. Arrange them on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation. Enjoy your flavorful creation! To get that perfect crispy skin, start by drying your chicken thighs well. Moisture on the skin can lead to steaming instead of crisping. Use paper towels to ensure each piece is dry. Next, cook your chicken at the right temperature. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about five minutes. This helps to create a nice golden crust. For the best flavor, marinate your chicken thighs for at least 30 minutes. If you can wait, let them sit in the fridge for up to two hours. This longer marination time deeply infuses the flavors. You can also enhance your dish by adding more herbs or spices. Try fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a bright twist. Using an air fryer can be fun and easy. Make sure to give the chicken space in the basket for even cooking. If your air fryer is small, cook in batches. This prevents overcrowding and ensures each piece cooks well. For best results, I recommend air fryer models like the Philips or Ninja, which deliver great heat circulation and cooking performance. Pro Tips Pat Dry for Crispiness: Patting the chicken thighs dry before marinating is crucial for achieving a crispy skin when they cook. Moisture on the surface can steam the skin rather than crisp it up. Marinate Longer for Flavor: While a 30-minute marinade is sufficient, letting the chicken sit in the marinade for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator intensifies the flavor and juiciness of the meat. Use Cooking Thermometer: To ensure perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This guarantees the chicken is safe to eat and remains juicy. Let It Rest: After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and moist dish. {{image_4}} You can change the flavor of your chicken thighs by using different herbs. Fresh herbs add a bright taste. For example, try using fresh thyme or rosemary instead of dried. You may also use other herbs like oregano or basil. Each herb gives a unique flavor. Dried herbs are great when fresh is not available. They may not taste as bright, but they still add depth. You can also change the spice mix. For a kick, add cayenne pepper or chili powder. If you prefer a sweeter taste, use a bit of brown sugar. Adjusting spices can make your dish exciting and new. If you want to switch proteins, chicken breasts or drumsticks work well. Breasts cook faster, so adjust the time. Cook them for 20-25 minutes at the same temperature. Drumsticks take about 30-35 minutes. Always check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safety. Remember, different proteins may change the flavor and texture. Thighs are juicy, while breasts are leaner. Choose what fits your taste best. Pairing sides with your chicken thighs can enhance your meal. Consider serving with roasted veggies like carrots or broccoli. They complement the chicken’s savory notes. A fresh salad with mixed greens adds crispness. You could use a simple vinaigrette for a light touch. Another option is garlic bread. It’s easy to make and goes great with the chicken. You can also serve rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the tasty juices. Choose sides that bring balance and freshness to your plate. To keep your chicken thighs fresh, cool them quickly after cooking. Place them on a plate to help them cool faster. Once they are at room temperature, put them in a container with a tight lid. Glass or plastic containers work well. If you want to keep the skin crispy, store the chicken thighs without covering them directly. This helps avoid moisture build-up. When reheating chicken thighs, the best method is to use the air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes. This keeps the skin crispy. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Remove the foil for the last few minutes to crisp the skin. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety. You can freeze cooked chicken thighs for up to three months. Let them cool completely before freezing. Wrap each thigh in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. To thaw, place the chicken in the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave for quick thawing. However, this may change the texture. Always reheat them thoroughly after thawing. The best temperature for air frying chicken thighs is 380°F (193°C). This heat cooks the chicken evenly and gives you that crispy skin you want. Preheating your air fryer for about 5 minutes helps reach this ideal temperature. This step makes sure your chicken gets the right texture and flavor. You should cook chicken thighs in the air fryer for 25-30 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking. Check that the internal temperature is 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and very juicy. Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. Just remember that boneless thighs cook faster. Reduce the cooking time to about 20-25 minutes. Make sure to check their internal temperature as well to ensure they are fully cooked. Boneless thighs will also soak up the marinade well, giving you great flavor. You now have a great guide for cooking chicken thighs in an air fryer. We covered ingredients, preparation, cooking steps, and how to add flavor. Remember to dry your chicken for crispy skin and use good marination methods. Try different herbs and sides to keep meals exciting. Store leftovers well and reheat right to keep them juicy. With these tips, you'll make delicious air-fried chicken every time. Enjoy your cooking journey!$

Air Fryer Garlic Herb Chicken Thighs

Crispy and flavorful chicken thighs marinated in garlic and herbs, cooked to perfection in an air fryer.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
2 teaspoons dried thyme
2 teaspoons dried rosemary
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
to taste salt and freshly cracked black pepper
for serving lemon wedges

Instructions

Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This vital step helps achieve that desirable crispy skin texture when cooked.
In a large mixing bowl, blend together the extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir well to form a fragrant marinade.
Immerse the chicken thighs in the marinade, ensuring that they are thoroughly coated on both sides. For optimal flavor, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes. If time permits, marinate in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours to maximize flavor infusion.
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure it reaches the ideal cooking temperature.
Carefully place the marinated chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, positioning them skin side up. Ensure they have enough space between them to promote even cooking; you might need to cook in batches if your air fryer is small.
Air fry the chicken thighs for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. They are done when the skin is beautifully golden brown and crispy, and a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C).
After cooking, carefully remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them rest on a plate for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken moist and flavorful.
For serving, present the chicken thighs with lemon wedges on the side, providing a bright citrus burst that enhances the savory flavors.

Notes

For a pop of color, garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or additional sprigs of rosemary. Serve with lemon wedges for a refreshing squeeze of citrus.

Keyword air fryer, chicken, garlic, herb