Air Fryer Garlic Herb Chicken Thighs Delicious Recipe

Name: Air Fryer Garlic Herb Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons dried thyme; 2 teaspoons dried rosemary; 1 teaspoon paprika; to taste salt and pepper; as needed lemon wedges for serving

December 21, 2025May 23, 2025 by Ava

If you’re craving a flavorful dish that cooks in no time, try my Air Fryer Garlic Herb Chicken Thighs. These juicy, bone-in thighs are packed with garlic, fresh herbs, and just the right spices. With a crispy skin and tender meat, this recipe will impress anyone at your table. Let’s dive into the simple steps and tips to make this delicious meal a new favorite!

Why I Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor Profile: The combination of garlic, thyme, and rosemary creates an aromatic and savory experience that elevates the chicken to a whole new level.
Crispy Skin Every Time: Cooking in the air fryer ensures the skin turns perfectly crispy while keeping the meat juicy and tender.
Quick and Easy Prep: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
Fresh Zing from Lemon: Serving with lemon wedges adds a refreshing brightness that complements the rich flavors of the chicken.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

– 3 tablespoons olive oil

– 2 teaspoons dried thyme

– 2 teaspoons dried rosemary

Seasoning Components

– 4 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 teaspoon paprika

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Lemon wedges for serving

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making Air Fryer Garlic Herb Chicken Thighs shine. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are perfect for this dish. The skin helps keep the meat juicy and adds great flavor. Olive oil is essential for the marinade; it keeps the chicken moist and helps the herbs stick.

Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary bring depth to the dish. You can use dried herbs if fresh ones are not available, but fresh herbs often offer a bolder taste. Minced garlic gives a lovely aroma and sharpness. Paprika adds a hint of smoky flavor, while salt and pepper enhance the overall taste. Lastly, lemon wedges add a refreshing zing when serving.

With these ingredients, you’re ready to create a meal that is both delicious and satisfying.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation of Chicken

First, dry the chicken thighs. Use paper towels to pat them dry. This step is key for crispy skin. Next, create the marinade. In a big bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well until you have a smooth mix.

Marination Process

Now, coat the chicken with the marinade. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and cover them well. Make sure both sides are coated. For best flavor, let them marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinate in the fridge for up to 2 hours.

Cooking the Chicken

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). This takes about 5 minutes. Once hot, place the chicken thighs in the basket, skin side up. Don’t overcrowd them; cook in batches if needed. Cook for 25-30 minutes. Flip them halfway through. Check that the skin is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). After cooking, let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps keep the juices in. Enjoy your meal!

Tips & Tricks

Ensuring Crispy Skin

To get crispy skin on your chicken thighs, drying them is key. Pat them dry with paper towels before marinating. This step removes excess moisture that can make the skin soggy. For cook time, you can adjust it by checking the skin’s color. If the skin isn’t golden yet, add a few more minutes.

Flavor Enhancements

For more flavor, try adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil. You can also use spices like cayenne for heat or cumin for warmth. If you want deeper flavors, consider marinating longer. A few hours in the fridge works wonders, so go for 2 hours if you can.

Serving Suggestions

When plating, arrange the chicken thighs on a beautiful serving dish. Garnish with fresh herbs for color. Serve lemon wedges on the side. They add a bright touch that balances the savory chicken. Pair the chicken with sides like roasted veggies or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Pro Tips

Pat Dry for Crispiness: Patting the chicken thighs dry before marinating helps achieve a crispy skin when air frying.
Longer Marination for Flavor: Allowing the chicken to marinate for up to 2 hours enhances the flavor. The longer, the better!
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Cook the chicken thighs in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Rest Before Serving: Letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, making it more flavorful and moist.

Variations

Ingredient Swaps

You can make this dish with boneless chicken thighs. They cook faster and stay juicy. Just adjust the cooking time to around 20 minutes. This keeps them tender and flavorful.

You can also swap out the olive oil. Try avocado oil for a light taste. If you want a twist, use flavored oils like garlic or herb-infused oils. They add extra depth to your dish.

You can change the herbs too. If you don’t have dried thyme or rosemary, try oregano or basil. Each herb gives the chicken a new flavor.

Cooking Techniques

You can bake these chicken thighs in the oven if you don’t have an air fryer. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Place the marinated thighs on a baking sheet. Bake for 35-40 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even cooking.

Grilling is another great option for summer. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin side down. Grill for about 6-8 minutes per side. This gives a nice char and smoky flavor.

Feel free to try these variations for fun new twists on this easy recipe!

Storage Info

Refrigerating Leftovers

To keep your chicken thighs fresh, store them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup. You can keep the chicken in the fridge for up to four days. After that, the taste may start to fade. Always check for any off smells or changes in color before eating leftovers.

Freezing Instructions

If you want to store the chicken for longer, freezing is a great option. First, allow the chicken to cool completely. Then, wrap each thigh tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped thighs in a freezer bag or a container. This helps keep the flavor and texture intact. You can freeze the chicken for up to three months.

To reheat, take the chicken out of the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. For best results, warm the chicken in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This helps restore that crispy skin we love.

FAQs

How long to cook chicken thighs in an air fryer?

Cook chicken thighs in an air fryer for 25-30 minutes. Set the temperature to 380°F (193°C). Flip the chicken halfway through to ensure even cooking. The skin should be golden brown, and the inside must reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I use frozen chicken thighs?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs. Increase the cooking time to 30-35 minutes. Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C). Make sure to season them well after cooking for the best flavor.

What to serve with garlic herb chicken thighs?

Pair garlic herb chicken thighs with fresh vegetables, rice, or a salad. Roasted potatoes make a great side dish too. For a fresh touch, serve with lemon wedges or a light sauce. Consider garlic bread for a delicious addition.

In this post, I shared how to make garlic herb chicken thighs in an air fryer. We covered the key ingredients, the steps for marination, and cooking tips for crispy skin. You also learned about variations and proper storage techniques.

Try these ideas to enhance your cooking. Explore new flavors and enjoy your meals more. Cooking is fun, and with practice, you’ll get better every time. Enjoy this easy and tasty dish with your favorite side

$- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 teaspoons dried thyme - 2 teaspoons dried rosemary - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Lemon wedges for serving Gathering the right ingredients is key to making Air Fryer Garlic Herb Chicken Thighs shine. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are perfect for this dish. The skin helps keep the meat juicy and adds great flavor. Olive oil is essential for the marinade; it keeps the chicken moist and helps the herbs stick. Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary bring depth to the dish. You can use dried herbs if fresh ones are not available, but fresh herbs often offer a bolder taste. Minced garlic gives a lovely aroma and sharpness. Paprika adds a hint of smoky flavor, while salt and pepper enhance the overall taste. Lastly, lemon wedges add a refreshing zing when serving. With these ingredients, you're ready to create a meal that is both delicious and satisfying. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, dry the chicken thighs. Use paper towels to pat them dry. This step is key for crispy skin. Next, create the marinade. In a big bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well until you have a smooth mix. Now, coat the chicken with the marinade. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and cover them well. Make sure both sides are coated. For best flavor, let them marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinate in the fridge for up to 2 hours. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). This takes about 5 minutes. Once hot, place the chicken thighs in the basket, skin side up. Don't overcrowd them; cook in batches if needed. Cook for 25-30 minutes. Flip them halfway through. Check that the skin is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). After cooking, let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps keep the juices in. Enjoy your meal! To get crispy skin on your chicken thighs, drying them is key. Pat them dry with paper towels before marinating. This step removes excess moisture that can make the skin soggy. For cook time, you can adjust it by checking the skin’s color. If the skin isn’t golden yet, add a few more minutes. For more flavor, try adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil. You can also use spices like cayenne for heat or cumin for warmth. If you want deeper flavors, consider marinating longer. A few hours in the fridge works wonders, so go for 2 hours if you can. When plating, arrange the chicken thighs on a beautiful serving dish. Garnish with fresh herbs for color. Serve lemon wedges on the side. They add a bright touch that balances the savory chicken. Pair the chicken with sides like roasted veggies or a simple salad for a complete meal. Pro Tips Pat Dry for Crispiness: Patting the chicken thighs dry before marinating helps achieve a crispy skin when air frying. Longer Marination for Flavor: Allowing the chicken to marinate for up to 2 hours enhances the flavor. The longer, the better! Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Cook the chicken thighs in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Rest Before Serving: Letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, making it more flavorful and moist. {{image_2}} You can make this dish with boneless chicken thighs. They cook faster and stay juicy. Just adjust the cooking time to around 20 minutes. This keeps them tender and flavorful. You can also swap out the olive oil. Try avocado oil for a light taste. If you want a twist, use flavored oils like garlic or herb-infused oils. They add extra depth to your dish. You can change the herbs too. If you don’t have dried thyme or rosemary, try oregano or basil. Each herb gives the chicken a new flavor. You can bake these chicken thighs in the oven if you don't have an air fryer. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Place the marinated thighs on a baking sheet. Bake for 35-40 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even cooking. Grilling is another great option for summer. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin side down. Grill for about 6-8 minutes per side. This gives a nice char and smoky flavor. Feel free to try these variations for fun new twists on this easy recipe! To keep your chicken thighs fresh, store them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup. You can keep the chicken in the fridge for up to four days. After that, the taste may start to fade. Always check for any off smells or changes in color before eating leftovers. If you want to store the chicken for longer, freezing is a great option. First, allow the chicken to cool completely. Then, wrap each thigh tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped thighs in a freezer bag or a container. This helps keep the flavor and texture intact. You can freeze the chicken for up to three months. To reheat, take the chicken out of the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. For best results, warm the chicken in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This helps restore that crispy skin we love. Cook chicken thighs in an air fryer for 25-30 minutes. Set the temperature to 380°F (193°C). Flip the chicken halfway through to ensure even cooking. The skin should be golden brown, and the inside must reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs. Increase the cooking time to 30-35 minutes. Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C). Make sure to season them well after cooking for the best flavor. Pair garlic herb chicken thighs with fresh vegetables, rice, or a salad. Roasted potatoes make a great side dish too. For a fresh touch, serve with lemon wedges or a light sauce. Consider garlic bread for a delicious addition. In this post, I shared how to make garlic herb chicken thighs in an air fryer. We covered the key ingredients, the steps for marination, and cooking tips for crispy skin. You also learned about variations and proper storage techniques. Try these ideas to enhance your cooking. Explore new flavors and enjoy your meals more. Cooking is fun, and with practice, you’ll get better every time. Enjoy this easy and tasty dish with your favorite sides!$