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Crispy Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

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This crispy air fryer lemon pepper chicken thighs recipe is the one I keep coming back to, not because it’s fancy, but because it finally taught me to get out of my own way. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you wonder what else you’ve been overcomplicating.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)
  • 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning (preferably Lawry’s)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt (Diamond Crystal preferred)
  • Fresh lemon wedges (for serving)
  • Fresh parsley or chives (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together the lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and kosher salt. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over both sides of each thigh, pressing it into the skin.
  4. Place the thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer with space between each piece.
  5. Cook at 400°F for 12 minutes without opening the basket.
  6. Flip the thighs and cook for another 10-12 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 175°F to 185°F and the skin is deep golden brown and crispy.
  7. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Squeeze fresh lemon wedges over the top and garnish with parsley or chives if desired.

Notes

Don’t overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if needed. Skip the oil spray as chicken thighs have enough natural fat. Let chicken come to room temperature before cooking for even results. Only flip once during cooking. Clean the air fryer basket between batches if cooking multiple rounds.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://gleamgulp.com/crispy-air-fryer-lemon-pepper-chicken-thighs/