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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Garlic Butter

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These crispy air fryer chicken thighs with garlic butter come out with shatteringly crunchy skin, juicy meat, and a fragrant garlic butter sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this low-carb, keto-friendly recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and impressive enough for company.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds total)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (Diamond Crystal preferred; reduce to ¾ teaspoon if using table salt)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Fresh lemon wedges (for garnish, optional)
  • Extra fresh parsley or chives (for garnish, optional)
  • Flaky sea salt (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels until the skin feels tacky, not wet.
  2. Gently loosen the skin from the meat on each thigh to create a pocket. Rub about half of the seasoning mixture (salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, cayenne) directly onto the meat under the skin.
  3. Rub the remaining seasoning all over the outside of the chicken thighs, including the underside. Drizzle olive oil over the seasoned skin and rub in gently.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
  5. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket, leaving at least ½ inch of space between each piece. Do not overcrowd.
  6. Cook at 400°F for 12 minutes without opening the basket.
  7. Using tongs, carefully flip the chicken thighs so the skin side is facing up.
  8. Cook for another 8-12 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 175°F (80°C) and the skin is deep golden brown and crispy.
  9. While the chicken cooks, make the garlic butter: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 30-45 seconds until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown. Remove from heat and stir in parsley, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
  10. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes on a cutting board or plate.
  11. Place the rested chicken thighs on a serving platter. Spoon the garlic butter sauce generously over each thigh. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

Don’t skip drying the skin—moisture prevents crisping. Let chicken come to room temperature 15-20 minutes before cooking for even results. Use an instant-read thermometer for perfect doneness (175°F). For batch cooking, keep finished pieces warm in a 200°F oven on a wire rack. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken thighs, garlic butter chicken, keto chicken, low carb chicken, weeknight dinner, air fryer recipe

Find it online: https://spoonmira.com/crispy-air-fryer-chicken-thighs-with-garlic-butter/