Get ready for an easy twist on classic chicken thighs with this Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs recipe. It’s all about achieving that crispy skin and delicious lemon pepper flavor without the fuss of deep frying.
Crispy Chicken Thighs Without Excess Oil: Air Fryer Magic
One of the great advantages of using an air fryer is its ability to produce crispy results without the addition of oil. By using hot air to circulate around the food, the air fryer achieves that great crunch while minimizing added fats.
The Tangy Zing of Lemon Pepper
Lemon pepper seasoning gives our chicken thighs a delightful burst of zesty flavor. The tangy citrus and the kick of black pepper create a mouthwatering marinade that everyone loves.
How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs
I’m about to walk you through how to make the most mouthwatering air fryer lemon pepper chicken thighs. You won’t believe how easy and flavorful this recipe is and I’ve got a few tips to take it to the next level.
Let’s get cooking!
- First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon pepper seasoning, salt, and garlic powder for a flavorful marinade.
- Pat dry the chicken thighs, then coat them in the marinade and let them sit for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for more flavor).
- Remove excess marinade, place thighs in the air fryer, skin-side down, and cook for approximately 10-12 minutes.
- Flip and cook another 10-12 minutes or until done.
What to Serve with Chicken Thighs
When it comes to side dishes, we want something comforting and hearty to complement the flavors of the air fryer lemon pepper chicken thighs.
- Try pairing it with the Perfect Rice Pilaf or Creamy Smothered Potatoes with Onions and Garlic.
- If you want to continue with the lemon theme, then our Lemon Orzo with Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes is the way to go!
- Simple grilled asparagus is a fantastic choice as a vegetable or steamed broccoli. Both compliment the lemon flavor.
These lemon pepper chicken thighs not only satisfy your taste buds but also tick all the boxes for an easy-to-make, and economical meal. There’s no need to fire up the grill or turn on the oven, air fryers are the way to go!
People love chicken thighs for their richer flavor, juicier and more tender texture compared to chicken breasts. Cooking them in the air fryer enhances that. They are more affordable than chicken breasts and you can opt for bone-in or boneless, skin-on or skinless versions.
LEMON PEPPER AIR FRYER CHICKEN THIGHS
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If you LOVE your Air Fryer as much as I do, these are some of my favorites: Air Fryer Cheeseburgers, Air Fryer Chicken Wings, The Perfect Air Fryer Meatloaf and Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers.
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Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on Chicken thighs
- 2 Tbsp. Olive oil
- 2 Tbsp. Fresh Lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Sea Salt
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- Dash Black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon pepper seasoning, salt, and garlic powder to create a marinade.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are evenly coated. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate it overnight for more flavor.
- Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off, and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, skin-side down.
- Cook the chicken thighs in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 12 minutes.
- After 12 minutes, flip the chicken thighs skin-side up. Cook for an additional 10-12 minutes or until the chicken thighs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy and golden brown.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH THIS:
Notes
Nutritional Disclaimer: The provided nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on ingredient brands and quantities. For precise details, consult a registered dietitian or use a nutrition calculator.
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