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Crispy Air Fryer Za'atar Chicken Thighs

Perfectly crispy and juicy chicken thighs infused with Middle Eastern flavors. This quick air-fryer recipe features a simple lemon, garlic, and za'atar marinade that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Crispy Air Fryer Za'atar Chicken Thighs
Prep 10 min Cook 20 min Total 45 min Level Easy
Serves 4

Ingredients

Main

  • 4 pieces Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs — Patted completely dry
  • 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon juice — Freshly squeezed
  • 3 cloves Garlic — Minced
  • 2 tablespoons Za'atar seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper — Freshly ground
  • 1 whole Lemon wedges (optional) — For garnish

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving crispy skin in the air fryer.

    ~2 min
    Moisture is the enemy of crispy skin, so take your time making sure they are very dry.

  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, za'atar seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.

    ~3 min

  3. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss to coat completely, making sure to rub some of the marinade under the skin.

    ~5 min
    For best flavor, let the chicken rest in the marinade for 15 minutes at room temperature, or up to 24 hours in the fridge.

  4. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3-5 minutes.

    ~5 min

  5. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10 minutes.

    ~10 min
    Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary.

  6. Flip the chicken thighs so they are skin-side up. Increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until the skin is deeply golden and crispy.

    ~10 min
    Check for doneness with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C).

  7. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with fresh lemon wedges.

    ~5 min
    Resting helps redistribute the juices throughout the meat.
Nutrition
340
Calories
22
Protein (g)
2
Carbs (g)
26
Fat (g)
6
Sat. Fat (g)
1
Fiber (g)
0
Sugar (g)
580
Sodium (mg)
115
Cholesterol (mg)
Equipment
  • Air Fryer
  • Large bowl
  • Measuring spoons
  • Meat thermometer
Tips & Storage
  • If your za'atar blend already contains salt, reduce the added kosher salt to 1/2 teaspoon.
  • For extra crispy skin, sprinkle a tiny pinch of baking powder over the skin before air frying.
  • Air fryer models vary; check the chicken a few minutes early to ensure the za'atar isn't burning.
  • Storage: Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 4-5 minutes to restore the crispy skin.
Tags
air-fryer chicken crispy dairy_free entree garlic gluten_free healthy high-protein keto keto lemon low_carb low-carb middle eastern nut_free poultry quick savory weeknight dinner za'atar

🤖 This recipe was created with AI assistance. If you spot a mistake or something that doesn't look right, please report it.

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