Print

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Garlic Herb Rub

air fryer chicken thighs - featured image
Print Recipe

These crispy air fryer chicken thighs with garlic herb rub are proof that the best recipes often come from happy accidents. What started as a kitchen failure turned into my most-requested dinner, with crackly skin, juicy meat, and bold garlic herb flavor in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 to 2 pounds total)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the chicken (5 minutes). Take the chicken thighs out of the fridge and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Let them sit on the counter while you make the rub to take the chill off.
  2. Make the garlic herb rub (3 minutes). In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, dried thyme, dried rosemary, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne if using. Stir it into a paste.
  3. Season the chicken (3 minutes). Using your hands, rub the garlic herb mixture all over each chicken thigh. Make sure you get some under the skin too.
  4. Preheat the air fryer (3 minutes). Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and let it preheat for about 3 minutes.
  5. Arrange the thighs in the basket (2 minutes). Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each thigh.
  6. Cook the first side (12 minutes). Air fry at 380°F for 12 minutes. Don’t open the basket during this time.
  7. Flip and finish (8-10 minutes). Using tongs, carefully flip the thighs so they’re skin-side up. Continue air frying at 380°F for another 8 to 10 minutes until deep golden brown and crispy.
  8. Check the temperature (1 minute). Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of a thigh, avoiding the bone. You’re looking for 165°F (74°C).
  9. Rest before serving (5 minutes). Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest on a plate or cutting board for 5 minutes.

Notes

Don’t overcrowd the basket. Pat the skin dry thoroughly. Start skin-side down for maximum crispiness. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure doneness. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. For boneless thighs, reduce cooking time to 10 minutes skin-side down and 6-8 minutes skin-side up.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken thighs, garlic herb chicken, easy weeknight dinner, gluten-free chicken, keto chicken

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/crispy-air-fryer-chicken-thighs-with-garlic-herb-rub/