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Crispy Garlic Butter Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

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A quick and easy recipe for crispy, juicy chicken thighs coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, cooked perfectly in the air fryer for a flavorful and fuss-free dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 to 2 pounds)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl over low heat.
  2. Add minced garlic and stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice to create the garlic butter mixture.
  4. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help skin crisp better.
  5. Place chicken thighs in a large mixing bowl and add 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning.
  6. Toss chicken well to coat evenly with seasonings.
  7. Pour warm garlic butter over the seasoned chicken thighs and coat each piece generously using tongs or hands.
  8. Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  9. Place chicken thighs skin-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding.
  10. Air fry at 380°F for 12 minutes.
  11. Flip chicken thighs skin-side up and cook for an additional 10 minutes at 380°F until skin is golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  12. If desired, add 2-3 more minutes for extra crispiness, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  13. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Pat chicken skin dry before seasoning to ensure crispiness. Preheat the air fryer for best results. Flip chicken halfway through cooking for even browning. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F. Let chicken rest before serving. For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes but watch carefully to avoid burning. For dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut oil or plant-based spread. If no air fryer, bake at 425°F for 35-40 minutes on a wire rack, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken, garlic butter chicken, easy dinner, quick chicken recipe, family dinner, gluten-free chicken

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/crispy-garlic-butter-air-fryer-chicken-thighs-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-dinner/