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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe with Garlic Herb Butter

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This recipe delivers golden, juicy, and flavorful chicken thighs with perfectly crispy skin using an air fryer and garlic herb butter. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (1 to 1.5 lbs / 450–680 g)
  • 4 tablespoons (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the garlic herb butter: In a small mixing bowl, combine softened unsalted butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, and thyme leaves. Mix until thoroughly blended. Optionally melt butter slightly for easier mixing.
  2. Season the chicken thighs: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Rub each thigh with olive oil, then season evenly with salt, pepper, and paprika, including under the skin.
  3. Apply the garlic herb butter: Loosen the skin from the chicken meat without tearing. Spread half of the garlic herb butter mixture underneath the skin of each thigh, then rub the remaining butter over the top of the skin.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Cook the chicken: Place thighs skin side down in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook for 10 minutes at 400°F. Flip thighs skin side up and cook for another 10-12 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and skin is golden and crispy.
  6. Rest before serving: Remove chicken from air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Pat chicken dry thoroughly for crisp skin. Do not overcrowd air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F. Rest chicken 5 minutes before serving. To prevent air fryer smoking, place a small piece of bread or paper towel under the basket to catch excess fat. Butter can be swapped with plant-based alternatives for dairy-free version. Oven roasting at 425°F for 35-40 minutes on a wire rack is an alternative cooking method.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken, garlic herb butter chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, weeknight meal, gluten-free chicken

Find it online: https://avabowls.com/crispy-air-fryer-chicken-thighs-recipe-with-garlic-herb-butter-perfectly-easy/