Elevate your weeknight meals with the irresistible Crispy Garlic Herb Air Fryer Chicken Thighs, a refined and flavorful dish that celebrates the art of elegant comfort food. Infused with a harmonious blend of aromatic herbs and a delicate garlic essence, these juicy, crispy-skinned thighs are a testament to the power of simple ingredients elevated to new heights.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Garlic Herb Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Indulge in the satisfying crunch of the perfectly crisp skin, complemented by the tender, juicy meat within. The fragrant garlic and herb seasoning imparts a delicate, yet decadent flavor profile, making this dish a true delight for the senses. Effortlessly prepare this gourmet-inspired meal in the convenience of your own kitchen, showcasing your culinary prowess and delivering a cozy, wholesome, and tempting experience with every bite.
Ingredients
The key to this irresistible Crispy Garlic Herb Air Fryer Chicken Thighs lies in the carefully curated blend of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Embrace the beauty of simplicity as you gather bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, a fragrant assortment of herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley, along with the elegant allure of minced garlic, and a touch of olive oil to bring it all together.
- 6-8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs – the foundation of this delectable dish.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – the aromatic heartbeat of the recipe.
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped – a herbaceous note that elevates the flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped – a fragrant complement to the rosemary.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped – a bright, verdant finishing touch.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – a drizzle to bind the seasoning and ensure even coating.
- Salt and pepper, to taste – a simple seasoning that allows the other flavors to shine.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken Thighs: For a delicate variation, try swapping out the chicken thighs for drumsticks or a combination of both.
- Herb Blend: Experiment with different herb blends, such as Italian seasoning or a Herbes de Provence mix, to suit your personal preferences.
How to Make Crispy Garlic Herb Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Prepare to indulge in the captivating aroma and irresistible texture of these Crispy Garlic Herb Air Fryer Chicken Thighs. Follow these simple steps to elevate your weeknight menu with a gourmet-inspired dish that delivers on both flavor and presentation.
Step 1 — Prep Work
Begin by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, ensuring the skin is as dry as possible for optimal crispiness. In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, and parsley, along with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Massage this flavorful mixture evenly over the chicken thighs, taking care to coat the skin thoroughly.
Step 2 — Main Cooking Process
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching to allow for even cooking and crisping. Air fry for 18-22 minutes, flipping the thighs halfway through, until the skin is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 3 — Final Steps/Assembly
Once the chicken thighs are cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender interior.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Parmesan Crunch: For a delightful contrast, try sprinkling a dusting of Parmesan cheese over the chicken thighs during the final minutes of air frying.
- Panko Breading: Alternatively, experiment with a light coating of panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy exterior.
- Marinate for Flavor: To achieve an even more robust flavor, marinate the chicken in the garlic-herb mixture for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking.
- Herb Blend Variations: Swap out the herb blend for a different flavor profile, such as Italian seasoning or Herbes de Provence, to suit your preferences.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, fluffy mashed potatoes, or your choice of delectable side dishes.
Storage: Store the Crispy Garlic Herb Air Fryer Chicken Thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat the leftover chicken in the air fryer or oven to restore the delightful crispiness.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the seasoned chicken thighs in advance and refrigerate until ready to air fry for a quick and effortless meal.
Nutrition Information
Each serving of the Crispy Garlic Herb Air Fryer Chicken Thighs provides a well-balanced and wholesome meal. With a focus on lean protein, healthy fats, and a minimal use of added oils, this dish offers a satisfying and nutritious option for your culinary indulgence.
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbs: 1 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I ensure the chicken skin gets crispy in the air fryer?
The key to achieving crispy skin in the air fryer is to pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly before seasoning and cooking. This helps eliminate excess moisture, allowing the skin to crispen up beautifully.
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead?
While the recipe is designed for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, you can certainly use boneless, skinless thighs if preferred. Keep in mind that the cooking time may need to be adjusted, and the texture and flavor profile may differ slightly without the crispy skin.
How long should I air fry the chicken thighs?
The Crispy Garlic Herb Air Fryer Chicken Thighs should be air fried for 18-22 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy.
Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of the air fryer?
Absolutely! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can easily adapt this recipe to the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and arrange the seasoned chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy.
How do I store and reheat the leftover chicken thighs?
Store the cooked and cooled Crispy Garlic Herb Chicken Thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the thighs in the air fryer or oven at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and the skin is crisp once again.
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Crispy Garlic Herb Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the refined comfort of crispy garlic herb air fryer chicken thighs, perfectly seasoned and cooked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the mixture all over the chicken thighs.
4. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin side up.
5. Cook for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes after air frying.
Feel free to adjust the herbs to your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Air Fryer & Oven-Baked
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thigh
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg