Print

Crispy Garlic Butter Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

crispy garlic butter air fryer chicken thighs - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy recipe for crispy, garlicky chicken thighs cooked in the air fryer with garlic butter and simple seasonings, perfect for a comforting dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 to 2 pounds / 700 to 900 grams)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
  • 4 large garlic cloves (minced)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (finely chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt (kosher salt preferred)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove moisture from the skin. (5 minutes)
  2. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook gently for 2-3 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the parsley and remove from heat. Let it cool slightly. (5 minutes)
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and optional lemon zest. Toss to coat evenly. (2 minutes)
  4. Brush the chicken with half of the garlic butter, coating the skin side generously. (3 minutes)
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
  6. Place thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket without overlapping. Cook for 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Flip the thighs skin-side up, brush with remaining garlic butter, and cook for another 8-10 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and skin is golden and crispy. (18-20 minutes)
  7. Remove from the air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry thoroughly to ensure crispy skin. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation. Brush garlic butter twice for best flavor and crispiness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For dairy-free option, substitute butter with coconut or olive oil. If chicken is not crispy enough, add 2-3 extra minutes in the air fryer but watch closely to avoid burning garlic butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken, garlic butter chicken, easy dinner, quick chicken recipe, bone-in chicken, skin-on chicken, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://sparklespoon.com/crispy-garlic-butter-air-fryer-chicken-thighs-recipe-easy-perfect-dinner/