Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs Air Fryer

Name: Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs Air Fryer
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: asian
Ingredients: 6 chicken thighs (bone-in); Marinade:; 2 lemons (zest and juice); 1 bunch of green onions (white & green parts separated); 3 tbsp of honey; 3 cloves garlic; 2 tbsp of dark soy sauce; 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper; ½ tsp salt

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Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the ultimate lemon pepper chicken thighs air fryer! With crispy skin on the outside and juicy meat on the inside, this chicken thigh air fryer recipe is a surefire hit for any mealtime. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie in the kitchen, this dish is a breeze to make and will leave everyone asking for seconds (and maybe even thirds)! So, grab your air fryer and let’s get cooking!

The zesty lemon flavor, punchy pepper notes, and succulent chicken thighs make this easy recipe a winner for any day of the week. Pair this lemon pepper chicken with your favorite sides like steamed rice, side salad, or green beans for a complete meal for the whole family.

Why you will love this recipe

This lemon pepper chicken recipe is so simple and delicious that you’ll never want to make it any other way!
Skip the oil and save on calories! Air fryers use little to no oil, but you’re still left with crispy, flavorful chicken without the added fat.
Whip this up without too much effort. Marinade the chicken for 30 minutes, then let your air fryer do the rest!
A great way to enjoy a tasty dinner, even for my keto and low-carb friends!

Ingredients

Chicken thighs: I like to use bone-in chicken thighs for maximum flavor, but you can use boneless chicken thighs or chicken breasts.
Lemon: For that bright, zesty lemon flavor, freshly squeezed lemon juice is highly recommended.
Green onions: I love the color and flavor that green onions bring to my air fryer chicken recipes. If you don’t have any, feel free to substitute with chopped shallots or chives.
Honey: Don’t skip the subtle sweetness we want that comes from the honey. You can find this in any grocery store. But you can use either agave syrup or maple syrup if you don’t have one.
Garlic: Always use fresh garlic for the best results. If you don’t have fresh, you can use pre-minced garlic from a jar or garlic powder.
Dark soy sauce: For color and umami flavor that helps balance the acidity of the lemons. Use tamari or coconut aminos to make this recipe gluten-free!
Black pepper: Adds a nice kick to the dish.
Garnishes: green part of the green onion, lemon slices, fresh thyme, fresh parsley
Optional: olive oil, onion powder, Italian seasoning

Equipment

large bowl or container with lid
tongs
air fryer

Instructions

Prep the marinade
Marinate for 30 minutes – overnight.
Air fry for 35 minutes at 375 degrees. Flipping halfway. Broil for 1 minute to get a nice crust.

Tips for making the best air fryer lemon pepper chicken thighs

Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket; if you have too many pieces of chicken in there, they won’t cook evenly.
Open up the chicken thighs in a single layer when putting them into the air fryer. They often come in the package folded over, so you will have a longer cook time if you skip this step.
Don’t forget to flip the chicken halfway through so both sides are evenly cooked.
Use an instant meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken. Overcooking chicken is the best way to ruin it. But you never want to eat undercooked chicken.|
Let the cooked chicken thighs rest for 5 minutes before eating.

STORAGE TIPS

STORE – store the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.

REHEAT – reheat in a microwave or the air fryer to get the skin nice and crispy again.

FAQs

How long do you cook thighs in an air fryer?

Generally, chicken thighs are cooked for about 18 to 30 minutes in an air fryer, longer if you’re using bone-in pieces of chicken. The cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken thighs and the temperature of your air fryer, usually 350 to 400 degrees F.

Can you put aluminum foil in an air fryer?

Absolutely! It’s safe to put aluminum foil in your air fryer. It makes your clean-up a breeze!

Can you put lemon juice in air fryer?

It is not recommended to put lemon juice directly in an air fryer as it can damage the heating element and other components of the machine. Lemon juice is acidic and can cause corrosion, which can affect the lifespan and performance of the air fryer.

However, you can use lemon juice as a flavoring for foods that you cook in the air fryer. For example, you can squeeze fresh lemon juice on top of vegetables, fish, or chicken before placing them in the air fryer. This will add a delicious citrus flavor to your food without causing any damage to the air fryer. Just be sure to clean the air fryer thoroughly after each use to prevent any buildup of acid.