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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe with Garlic Herb Butter Easy and Perfect

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This recipe delivers crispy, juicy chicken thighs cooked in an air fryer and topped with a rich garlic herb butter, perfect for quick and flavorful weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 680 g)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Garlic Herb Butter:
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
  2. Brush or rub olive oil over the skin side, then season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
  3. Let the chicken rest at room temperature for 10 minutes while preparing the garlic herb butter.
  4. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme leaves, smoked paprika (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well and set aside.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for about 3 minutes.
  6. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket without overlapping. Air fry for 12 minutes.
  7. Flip the thighs skin-side up and cook for another 10-12 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy.
  8. Remove the chicken thighs and immediately spread the garlic herb butter over the hot skin to melt and infuse flavor.
  9. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
  10. Optional: If skin is not crispy enough, air fry for an additional 1-2 minutes at 400°F (204°C), watching closely to avoid burning.

Notes

Pat chicken dry thoroughly to ensure crispy skin. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation. Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for best texture and flavor. Preheat the air fryer before cooking. Spread garlic herb butter immediately after cooking while chicken is hot. For dairy-free option, substitute butter with vegan spread or olive oil infused with garlic and herbs. To reheat leftovers and keep skin crispy, air fry at 375°F for 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken, garlic herb butter, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, bone-in chicken, juicy chicken thighs

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