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Air Fryer Mediterranean Chicken Thighs

These Air Fryer Mediterranean Chicken Thighs are juicy, flavorful, and crispy on the outside. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is easy to make and uses simple ingredients. Your whole family will love it, and it is one of those meals you can make over and over.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

  • 6 chicken thighs with bone and skin
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Step 1: Make the marinade

  • In a medium bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Rub the marinade all over the chicken thighs, making sure every piece is coated. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes. For more flavor, you can let it marinate in the fridge for a few hours.

Step 2: Preheat the air fryer

  • Set the air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit and let it warm up for 5 minutes while the chicken is marinating.

Step 3: Place chicken in the basket

  • Arrange the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they are not crowded so the skin can get crispy.

Step 4: Cook the chicken

  • Cook for 20 to 25 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through. The skin should be golden and crispy, and the inside should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy

  • Remove the chicken from the air fryer. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top if desired. Serve with roasted vegetables, rice, couscous, or a simple salad.

Notes

Tips

  • Pat chicken dry before adding the marinade to help the skin get extra crispy.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed.
  • Bone-in chicken stays juicier than boneless.
  • Leftover chicken can be reheated in the air fryer to bring back crispiness.

Variations

  • Add rosemary or thyme to the marinade for a herby twist.
  • Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a slightly smoky flavor.
  • Serve with lemon wedges on the side for extra freshness.
  • Try boneless chicken thighs if you prefer faster cooking, but watch the time closely to avoid drying out.