Lemon Pepper Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Juicy chicken thighs with a crispy lemon pepper crust that tastes like you spent forever in the kitchen (but it is really just the air fryer doing the work). This recipe is family-friendly, teen-approved, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want dinner fast without babysitting the stove.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice fresh if you got it
- 1 ½ teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika optional for color
- ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- Fresh lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the chicken
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps get that crispy skin.
Step 2: Season
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, and all the seasonings. Rub the mixture all over the chicken thighs. Get under the skin if you can.
Step 3: Preheat air fryer
- Set your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes. This makes the chicken extra crispy.
Step 4: Cook
- Place chicken thighs in the basket skin side down. Air fry for 12 minutes. Flip them and cook another 12–13 minutes, until crispy and golden.
Step 5: Check temp
- Use a meat thermometer—make sure chicken hits 165°F inside.
Step 6: Serve
- Squeeze fresh lemon over the top and serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
Tips
- Do not crowd the basket—air needs space to circulate for that crunchy skin.
- Want extra zing? Add fresh lemon zest to the seasoning mix.
- If your kids are spice fans, sprinkle a little cayenne.
Variations
- Boneless thighs: Cook about 5 minutes less.
- Chicken breasts: Use the same seasoning, but reduce cooking time (15–18 minutes).
- No lemon pepper? Mix black pepper with lemon zest and a pinch of salt.
- Low effort marinade: Toss chicken in bottled lemon pepper dressing and air fry.