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- 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!

Air Fryer Garlic Herb Chicken Thighs

Crispy and flavorful chicken thighs marinated in garlic and herbs, cooked to perfection in an air fryer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

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

Instructions
 

  • Begin by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
  • Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and coat them thoroughly in the marinade, ensuring both sides are well covered. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes; for best results, marinate in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes.
  • Place the marinated chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin side up, making sure they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook in batches.
  • Cook the chicken thighs in the air fryer for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the skin is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Once cooked, remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps keep the juices locked in.
  • Serve the chicken thighs with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh zing.

Notes

For best results, marinate in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours.
Keyword air fryer, chicken, garlic, herb, thighs