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- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - Juice of 1 lemon - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Use 4 chicken thighs for a meal serving 4 people. - Measure 2 tablespoons of olive oil for the marinade. - For the seasoning, use 1 tablespoon of lemon pepper. - Add 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt. - Use ½ teaspoon of black pepper for a little kick. - Squeeze juice from 1 whole lemon for bright flavor. - Chop a handful of fresh parsley for a colorful garnish. These ingredients create a vibrant flavor and a juicy chicken thigh. The olive oil helps the spices stick and adds moisture. The lemon juice brightens the dish, making each bite delightful. Don’t skip the parsley; it adds fresh color and taste. Start by setting your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheat it for about 5 minutes. This step is key. It helps the chicken cook evenly and become crispy. In a large bowl, pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Next, add 1 tablespoon of lemon pepper seasoning, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Mix all these ingredients together until they blend well. You want a nice, smooth marinade that can coat the chicken perfectly. Now, take 4 chicken thighs and place them in the bowl with the marinade. Use your hands or tongs to toss the chicken. Make sure every piece gets covered in the marinade. For the best flavor, let the chicken sit for at least 15-30 minutes. This time helps the flavors soak in deeply. Once the air fryer is hot, arrange the chicken thighs in the basket. Place them skin-side up in a single layer. Avoid stacking them to ensure they cook well. Air fry the chicken for 25-30 minutes. Halfway through, flip the thighs to get an even cook. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and that the skin is golden brown. After cooking, take the chicken out of the air fryer. Let it rest for about 5 minutes. Resting is important. It allows the juices to settle, keeping the chicken juicy. For a nice touch, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the thighs. Serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor. To get that perfect crispy skin, preheat your air fryer. Set it to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step helps create the right environment for crispiness. When you marinate the chicken, let it soak for at least 15-30 minutes. The olive oil helps the skin crisp up nicely. Place the chicken skin-side up in the basket. Avoid overcrowding; give each piece space to breathe. Want to kick the flavor up a notch? Try adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. You can also mix in a bit of cayenne pepper for heat. If you love garlic, add more garlic powder or even minced fresh garlic. A splash of soy sauce can add depth, too. Experiment with other seasonings you enjoy. One common mistake is not preheating the air fryer. This can lead to uneven cooking. Another pitfall is marinating for too short a time. If you rush this step, the chicken lacks flavor. Make sure to flip the chicken halfway through. This helps it brown evenly. Lastly, always check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat. {{image_4}} You can switch up the flavor with different spices. Try using Cajun seasoning for some heat. Italian herbs like oregano or basil also work well. If you want a kick, add chili powder or cayenne pepper. For a sweet touch, mix in a bit of brown sugar. Each blend brings a new taste, so feel free to get creative! If you want to swap chicken thighs, consider bone-in chicken breasts. They stay juicy and cook well in the air fryer. You can also use turkey thighs for a leaner option. For a plant-based meal, try marinated tofu. Just cut it into thick slices and follow the same cooking steps. Air fryers are great for many cooking styles. You can roast vegetables alongside your chicken for a complete meal. Try cooking the chicken at a lower temperature for longer if you want it extra tender. Another option is to add a glaze during the last few minutes of cooking for a sweet finish. Experiment with times and temperatures to find your favorite style! After enjoying your air fryer lemon pepper chicken thighs, store leftovers in the fridge. Place the chicken in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh for up to four days. To avoid sogginess, separate the chicken from any sauce or juices. When you're ready to eat, you can enjoy the flavors again. Freezing chicken thighs is easy and keeps them tasty. Wrap each thigh tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze the chicken for up to three months. When you're ready to cook, thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat air fryer chicken thighs, use your air fryer again. Set it to 375°F (190°C). Cook for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This keeps the skin crispy. You can also reheat in an oven. Place on a baking sheet and heat at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes. Avoid the microwave to keep the texture right. Enjoy every bite just like the first time! Marinate chicken thighs for at least 15 to 30 minutes. This time lets the flavors soak in. For the best taste, consider marinating overnight. The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the better it tastes. Just make sure not to go overboard. Too long can make the meat mushy. Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They cook faster, so reduce the cooking time by about 5 to 10 minutes. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure they are done. Boneless thighs are great for easy eating and more even cooking. Pair your lemon pepper chicken thighs with fresh sides. Some great options include: - Steamed broccoli - Garlic mashed potatoes - Mixed green salad - Quinoa with herbs These dishes balance the rich flavors of the chicken. They add freshness and texture to your meal. Enjoy! Making lemon pepper chicken thighs is easy and fun. We covered key ingredients, like chicken thighs and olive oil, and detailed steps for perfect results. With tips for crispy skin and flavor boosts, you can enjoy delicious meals. Remember to store leftovers right, and don't be afraid to try new seasonings or proteins. Cooking should be enjoyable and creative. Embrace the process and savor every bite. You'll impress yourself and others with these simple techniques. Happy cooking!

Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Elevate your dinner game with this delicious Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs recipe! Juicy, crispy, and bursting with flavor, this dish is a quick and easy way to impress your family or guests. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a mouthwatering meal ready in no time. Click to explore the full recipe and discover the magic of air frying today!
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Ingredients
  

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Juice of 1 lemon

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Air Fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for approximately 5 minutes. This helps achieve optimal cooking conditions for your chicken.

    Prepare the Marinade: In a spacious mixing bowl, pour in the olive oil. Add the lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir all the ingredients together until they form a cohesive marinade.

      Marinate the Chicken: Introduce the chicken thighs to the bowl with the marinade. Using tongs or your hands, toss the thighs thoroughly, ensuring each piece is well-coated in the flavorful mixture. For enhanced taste, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15-30 minutes, if time allows.

        Add Lemon Juice: After marinating, take half of the lemon and squeeze its juice over the chicken thighs. Ensure the juice is evenly distributed to add brightness and acidity to the dish.

          Arrange in Air Fryer: Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully place the marinated chicken thighs in the air fryer basket. Be sure to position them skin-side up in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding for best results.

            Cooking the Chicken: Air fry the chicken thighs for 25-30 minutes. Flip them halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning and cooking. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the skin is golden and crispy.

              Rest Before Serving: After cooking, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meat moist.

                Garnish and Serve: To present your dish, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken thighs for a pop of color. Serve with the remaining lemon half, sliced into wedges for an added burst of flavor when desired.

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