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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe Easy Garlic Butter Flavor

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This recipe delivers crispy, juicy chicken thighs infused with rich garlic butter, perfect for quick and easy weeknight dinners using an air fryer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds / 700g)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced fresh
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • Pinch of chili flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Stir in minced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and optional chili flakes. Mix well. (About 3 minutes)
  2. Prep the Chicken Thighs: Pat dry the chicken thighs with paper towels. Lightly brush or rub 1 tablespoon olive oil over the skin side of each thigh, then season lightly with salt and pepper. (About 5 minutes)
  3. Coat with Garlic Butter: Using a basting brush, generously coat the skin side of each chicken thigh with the garlic butter mixture. Place a tray or plate beneath to catch drips. (About 3 minutes)
  4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for about 5 minutes.
  5. Cook the Chicken: Place chicken thighs skin side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Flip skin side up and cook for another 8-10 minutes until skin is golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). (Total cook time about 20 minutes)
  6. Rest the Chicken: Remove thighs and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top if desired.

Notes

Pat chicken skin dry thoroughly for best crispiness. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Flip chicken at the right time to render fat and crisp skin. Use fresh garlic for best flavor. Rest chicken before serving to keep meat juicy. For extra crispiness, air fry for 2 minutes at 425°F (220°C) at the end. Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy skin.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken, garlic butter chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, weeknight meal, low-carb, gluten-free

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/crispy-air-fryer-chicken-thighs-recipe-easy-garlic-butter-flavor/