Go Back
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste The main ingredients are simple but full of flavor. Chicken thighs have rich taste and stay juicy. Garlic adds a strong aroma and depth. Olive oil helps the skin crisp up nicely. Oregano and thyme provide a classic herb taste. Smoked paprika gives a hint of smokiness that is hard to resist. - Fresh parsley - Additional seasoning options You can add fresh parsley for color and freshness. It makes the dish look pretty on the plate. Feel free to experiment with other spices too. You can try chili powder for heat or lemon zest for brightness. - Air fryer - Mixing bowl - Meat thermometer To make this dish, you need a few kitchen tools. An air fryer is the star here, giving you crispy skin without frying. A mixing bowl is great for combining the marinade. A meat thermometer ensures your chicken is cooked perfectly, reaching 165°F. Marinating the chicken thighs To start, I mix garlic, olive oil, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This creates a tasty marinade. Next, I take the chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels. Drying helps the skin get crispy. Then, I rub the marinade all over the thighs, making sure it goes under the skin. This adds great flavor. I let them marinate for at least 30 minutes. If I have time, I let them sit overnight in the fridge for even more flavor. Drying the chicken for crispiness Drying is key to crispy skin. When the chicken is wet, it steams instead of browning. I always make sure to use a clean towel to remove moisture. This small step makes a big difference in texture. Preheating the air fryer I preheat my air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and helps the chicken cook faster. It also aids in getting that perfect crispy skin. Cooking times and temperature Once preheated, I place the chicken thighs in the basket, skin-side up. I make sure they are not touching for even cooking. I set the timer for 25-30 minutes. I check that the skin is golden brown and crispy. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This is important for safe eating. Resting the chicken After cooking, I remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes. Resting helps the juices settle, making the chicken tender and juicy. Serving suggestions For the final touch, I sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top. This adds a pop of color and extra flavor. I often serve these thighs with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. The options are endless! To get crispy skin, start by drying the chicken thighs. Use paper towels to remove moisture. This simple step helps the skin crisp up nicely. Next, arrange the chicken in the air fryer basket. Place them skin-side up and leave space between each piece. This allows hot air to circulate and cook evenly. Marinating the chicken is key for great taste. Mix minced garlic, olive oil, and herbs in a bowl. Rub this marinade under the skin and all over the thighs. For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. You can even leave it overnight in the fridge. Try using different herbs like rosemary or basil to change the taste. Avoid common mistakes when cooking chicken. First, don’t skip the drying step. Moisture leads to soggy skin. Second, check the temperature. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken hits 165°F. Lastly, avoid overcrowding the basket. This keeps the thighs crispy and cooked properly. {{image_2}} You can switch things up with flavor variations. Here are two tasty ideas: - Lemon herb chicken thighs: Add zest from one lemon to the marinade. This brightens the dish and adds a fresh taste. It pairs well with the herbs and garlic. - Spicy garlic chicken thighs: Mix in 1 to 2 teaspoons of crushed red pepper flakes. This gives the chicken a nice kick. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference. You can also try different cooking methods for the garlic herb chicken thighs: - Oven-baked garlic herb chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for 35-40 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the skin is crispy and golden brown. - Grilled garlic herb chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken thighs for 7-10 minutes on each side. This adds a smoky flavor that complements the herbs well. You can adapt the recipe for different diets: - Gluten-free option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check all your ingredients. Some brands of spices may contain gluten, so read the labels. - Low-carb adaptations: The chicken thighs are low in carbs. Pair with a side of roasted veggies or a fresh salad for a full meal without the carbs. To store leftovers safely, let the chicken cool. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh and prevents odors from other foods. Store in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. For best results, freeze cooked chicken within two hours of cooking. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped chicken in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. This helps avoid freezer burn. Properly stored, it can last up to three months. To reheat, the air fryer works well. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps the skin crispy and the meat juicy. You can also use the oven. Preheat to 350°F and bake for 15-20 minutes. Always check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) before serving. Cook chicken thighs for 25 to 30 minutes in the air fryer. The skin should be golden brown and crispy. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures your chicken is safe to eat. Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They will cook faster than bone-in thighs. Adjust the cooking time to about 20 to 25 minutes in the air fryer. Check the internal temperature to ensure doneness. Marinating chicken thighs is not required but highly recommended. It enhances the flavor and keeps the meat juicy. If you have time, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. For best results, marinate overnight in the fridge. Absolutely! Fresh herbs can add a vibrant taste. Use three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried ones. This will give your chicken a fresh and aromatic flavor. If you lack smoked paprika, regular paprika works too. It won’t have the same smoky flavor, but it will still taste great. You can also try adding a dash of liquid smoke for a similar effect. Yes, you can cook frozen chicken thighs. However, you need to increase the cooking time. Cook them for about 30 to 35 minutes. Make sure to check the internal temperature for safety. These chicken thighs pair well with roasted veggies, rice, or a fresh salad. You can also serve them with mashed potatoes or quinoa for a hearty meal. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should read 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. If you don't have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. The juices should run clear, not pink. This post covered all you need to cook tasty chicken thighs. We explored the main and optional ingredients that add flavor. You learned how to prepare, air fry, and serve your chicken. Tips for crispy skin and flavor tricks will boost your dish. I also shared storage tips to keep leftovers fresh. Consider trying variations to mix things up. Enjoy your cooking journey and make mealtime special!

Air Fryer Garlic Herb Chicken Thighs

Discover how to make delicious Air Fryer Garlic Herb Chicken Thighs that's perfect for dinner! This quick and easy recipe features succulent chicken thighs marinated in garlic, olive oil, and a mix of herbs for an explosion of flavor. With a crispy skin and juicy inside, this dish will impress your family and friends. Click to explore the full recipe and make your next meal a flavorful delight. Don't miss out on this culinary treat!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful marinade.

    Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps achieve crispy skin.

      Rub the marinade all over each chicken thigh, ensuring the seasoning gets under the skin for maximum flavor. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator for enhanced taste.

        Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

          Place the marinated chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin-side up, ensuring they are not touching for even cooking.

            Cook the chicken thighs in the air fryer for 25-30 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

              Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes.

                Before serving, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for color and an extra burst of flavor.

                  Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4