Crispy Garlic-Herb Air-Fried Chicken Thighs

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

Golden, juicy chicken thighs with a savory herb crust, cooked perfectly in the air fryer with minimal oil for a keto-friendly weeknight dinner. This american-inspired air fryer (keto, high protein) ready in about 40 minutes pairs chicken thighs, avocado oil, garlic powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 2, 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.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 2 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 12 oz chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then rub evenly with 2 tbsp avocado oil to coat all surfaces.
  2. Step 2: Mix 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a small bowl; sprinkle over chicken and press gently to adhere.
  3. Step 3: Arrange chicken skin-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring no pieces overlap.
  4. Step 4: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, then flip and cook for 10 more minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Step 5: Rest for 3 minutes before serving to lock in juices.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crispy Garlic-Herb Air-Fried Chicken Thighs take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Crispy Garlic-Herb Air-Fried Chicken Thighs?

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 Crispy Garlic-Herb Air-Fried Chicken Thighs?

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 Crispy Garlic-Herb Air-Fried Chicken Thighs for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Crispy Garlic-Herb Air-Fried Chicken Thighs keto?

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

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