Crispy Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs
A quick and easy recipe for juicy, tender chicken thighs with crispy skin, seasoned with lemon zest and cracked black pepper, cooked perfectly in an air fryer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 700g)
- Zest and juice of 1 medium lemon
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Optional: fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin (about 5 minutes).
- In a mixing bowl, combine lemon zest, freshly cracked black pepper, garlic powder, and salt. Add olive oil and lemon juice, stirring until it forms a loose paste (3 minutes).
- Toss the chicken thighs in the seasoning mix, coating both skin and underside well. Let sit for 10 minutes if time allows to help flavors penetrate.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and run empty for 3-5 minutes.
- Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding (about 10 minutes).
- Flip the thighs skin-side up using tongs and cook for another 8-12 minutes until skin is golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to redistribute juices.
Notes
Patting the chicken dry is crucial for crispy skin. Preheat the air fryer before cooking. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even crispiness. Let the chicken rest before serving. For extra crispiness, add a few more minutes but watch closely to avoid burning. Use freshly cracked black pepper for best flavor. If reheating leftovers, use the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 20
- Protein: 22
Keywords: air fryer chicken, lemon pepper chicken, crispy chicken thighs, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, juicy chicken, healthy chicken