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Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Thighs
One of those recipes you'll come back to again and again. It's packed with flavour, takes minimal effort, and is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep lunches.
SERVES
4
DIFFICULTY
simple
How long do chicken thighs take in the air fryer?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs usually take around 16–20 minutes in an air fryer at 200°C, depending on their size. Turn them halfway through cooking for even browning. Always check that the thickest part reaches 75°C before serving.
What temperature should I cook chicken thighs in an air fryer?
For juicy chicken thighs with a golden finish, cook them at 200°C. This temperature helps the outside caramelise while keeping the meat tender and moist.
Do I need to flip chicken thighs in the air fryer?
Yes. Turning the chicken halfway through cooking helps both sides cook evenly and develop a lovely golden colour.
Can I cook frozen chicken thighs in the air fryer?
Yes, although fresh chicken gives the best flavour and texture. If cooking from frozen, add extra cooking time and make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 75°C before serving.
Should I marinate chicken thighs before air frying?
Marinating isn’t essential, but it makes a noticeable difference. Lemon juice, olive oil, garlic and herbs add flavour while helping keep the chicken tender during cooking.
Can I use bone-in chicken thighs?
Absolutely. Bone-in thighs work well in the air fryer but usually need an extra 5–10 minutes of cooking time, depending on their size. Always check they’re fully cooked before serving.
Can I use chicken breasts instead?
Yes. Chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs, but they’ll cook more quickly and can dry out if overcooked. Reduce the cooking time accordingly and check they reach 75°C.
What herbs go well with lemon chicken?
Oregano, thyme, parsley and rosemary all pair beautifully with lemon chicken. Oregano is especially popular in Greek-inspired recipes.
What should I serve with lemon chicken?
This recipe is delicious served with crispy air fryer potatoes, a fresh Greek salad and warm flatbread. Together they make a complete Mediterranean-style meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Is lemon chicken healthy?
Lemon chicken can be a healthy meal, especially when cooked in the air fryer using very little oil. Serving it with a fresh Greek salad adds plenty of vegetables and makes it a balanced dinner.
Method
Step 1
Add the chicken thighs and all the marinade ingredients to a bowl and mix well. Leave to marinate for a few hours (overnight is better) but if you’re short on time you can cook them straight away.
Step 2
Airfry the chicken for 18 minutes at 200°C for 18 minutes. I used @mashdirect roasties for convenience which cooked the same amount of time.
Step 3
While everything cooks, make a quick Greek salad with chopped cucumber, red onion, cherry tomatoes and feta. (I had some halloumi to use up, so I swapped that in instead)
Step 4
I also made a quick yogurt dressing by mixing 2–3 tbsp Greek yogurt, 1 grated garlic clove, juice of ½ lemon, a handful of chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper for a simple, fresh dip.
Step 5
Enjoy 🙂Â
Ingredients
Marinate 650g boneless, skinless chicken thighs in:
1 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
2 garlic cloves, grated
1 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp chicken salt
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp dried oregano
Cracked black pepper
To serve:
Flatbreads
Greek salad
Crispy roast potatoes
