Air-Fried Chicken Thighs with Rosemary and Garlic

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy-skinned chicken thighs coated in a fragrant herb and garlic mixture, perfectly cooked in the air fryer for a simple weeknight dinner. This american-inspired air fryer (keto) ready in about 45 minutes pairs chicken thighs, olive oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.0 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 1.5 lbs chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season evenly with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Whisk 1.5 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp chopped rosemary in a small bowl until combined.
  3. Step 3: Brush the garlic-rosemary mixture over all chicken thighs, coating every surface.
  4. Step 4: Arrange thighs skin-side up in the air fryer basket in a single layer with space between pieces.
  5. Step 5: Air fry at 375°F for 20 minutes, flip thighs, then cook 10 minutes more until skin is golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Air-Fried Chicken Thighs with Rosemary and Garlic take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Air-Fried Chicken Thighs with Rosemary and Garlic?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Air-Fried Chicken Thighs with Rosemary and Garlic?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Air-Fried Chicken Thighs with Rosemary and Garlic for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Air-Fried Chicken Thighs with Rosemary and Garlic keto?

Yes — this recipe is tagged keto based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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