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Crispy Lemon Pepper Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

lemon pepper air fryer chicken thighs - featured image
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A quick and easy recipe for crispy, juicy chicken thighs seasoned with lemon pepper and cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds / 900 grams)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 ½ tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning (freshly cracked black pepper, fine lemon zest, kosher salt)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Fresh lemon juice (for serving)
  • Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. (5 minutes)
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Stir until well blended.
  3. Add chicken thighs to the bowl and toss thoroughly, making sure each piece is coated with the seasoning blend. (2-3 minutes)
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it run empty for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Place the chicken thighs skin side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding.
  6. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12 minutes. Flip the thighs skin side up and cook for another 8-10 minutes until skin is golden and crispy and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute.
  8. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the thighs and sprinkle chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry is essential for crispy skin. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to avoid steaming. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking for even crispiness. If skin is not crispy enough, give a 2-3 minute blast at 425°F (220°C) after flipping, watching carefully to avoid burning. Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer or oven to maintain crispness; avoid microwave reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon pepper chicken, air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, lemon pepper seasoning, air fryer recipe

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/crispy-lemon-pepper-air-fryer-chicken-thighs-easy-5-minute-recipe-for-perfect-dinner/