Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs
This quick and easy recipe for Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs is made in the air fryer, packed with flavor, and perfect for any night of the week. Juicy, zesty, and full of that perfect peppery kick—this one’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
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I’m not saying I’m the queen of air fryer chicken (though I wouldn’t mind it!), but my air fryer chicken recipes always get rave reviews. People have told me, “This is the best chicken ever,” and even the pickiest eaters love it. So you’re in good hands with this one!
Why You Will Love This Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs Recipe
Ingredients Needed
Ingredient quantities are located in the recipe card at the end of the post.
- Chicken thighs
- Olive oil
- Lemon pepper seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Baking powder
Tips for Making Lemon Pepper Chicken In The Air Fryer
The section below just outlines a few quick tips. The full process in detail is located in the recipe card at the end of the post.
🍋 Tip 1: The seasoning quantities are suggestions, not requirements. Feel free to modify them to your liking!
🍋 Tip 2: Don’t skip preheating! This crucial step sets the stage for irresistibly crispy chicken thighs. Trust me when I say it’s worth the wait.
🍋 Tip 3: Let your chicken rest after cooking. This brief pause locks in all that juicy goodness, so every bite is perfection.
🍋 Tip 4: Don’t hesitate to push the internal temperature beyond 165°F!
Here’s why: Chicken is safe to eat at 165°F, but taking it up to 185°F or even 195°F transforms it into melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness. At those higher temps, the collagen breaks down into silky gelatin, making your chicken juicier and more tender than ever. I’ve had people argue with me in the kitchen over this one, but they quickly change their tune when they try my chicken thighs. 🙂
I can’t wait for you to try this recipe—it’s one of my favorites! If you’re hungry for more, check out my other dinner recipes for even more delicious ideas. Happy cooking!
Looking for an Air Fryer?
If you’re looking for an air fryer, I can’t recommend the Ninja Foodi enough. It’s not only an air fryer but also a pressure cooker, slow cooker, dehydrator, and more! I love it and use it daily.
More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes
- Craving the crispiest, juiciest chicken dinner? Our air fryer chicken thighs are a game-changer! Prefer boneless and skinless? No problem—check out this boneless chicken thighs in the air fryer recipe for the same irresistible flavor.
- Want to mix things up? You’ll love our garlic parmesan chicken—crispy, creamy, and packed with flavor.
- Or spice up your dinner with these chili lime chicken thighs! Tangy, zesty, and oh-so-easy to make.
- Need a quick, healthy option for weeknight dinners? Our air fryer chicken breasts are simple, versatile, and perfect for any healthy dinner menu.
- Hosting a party or enjoying game day? These air fryer chicken legs are always the MVP of the spread—crispy, savory, and guaranteed to please.
- And let’s not forget the crowd’s all-time favorite: air fryer chicken wings! From classic buffalo wings to tangy lemon pepper wings, these crispy bites will have everyone reaching for seconds (or thirds).
Fun fact: Lemon pepper seasoning was originally created by combining dried lemon zest with cracked black pepper to enhance the flavor of seafood, but it became wildly popular as a wing seasoning, especially in Atlanta. It’s also a big hit on other cuts of chicken, like these thighs!
What Side Dishes Are Good With Air Fryer Chicken?
Cooking chicken in the air fryer? Here are the perfect sides to make your meal shine:
- Dive into the smoky, savory goodness of this bacon and green beans recipe—a dish that’s guaranteed to wow your taste buds!
- Brighten up your table with this easy broccoli salad—refreshing, quick to whip up, and perfect while your air fryer does its magic.
- You won’t be able to resist a second helping of this roasted vegetables recipe. It’s packed with flavor and pure veggie perfection!
- Love roasted veggies? Treat yourself to roasted squash and zucchini, baked carrots and broccoli, or baked carrots and zucchini. They’re all simple, satisfying, and bursting with flavor.
- Say goodbye to boring fries! Make sweet potato fries in an air fryer and discover the crispiest, most irresistible version yet.
- Pair juicy chicken thighs with these crispy roasted Brussels sprouts for a dinner that hits all the right notes.
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Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 3 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1 1/4 lbs)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- For best results, preheat your air fryer to 400 F for 5-6 minutes before placing the chicken thighs into the air fryer.
- Combine all the dry ingredients in a small bowl.
- Place chicken thighs onto a clean plate. Pat the thighs dry to remove any moisture and then coat them evenly on both sides with olive oil.
- Evenly sprinkle the seasoning mixture onto both sides of the chicken thighs and rub in to coat.
- Place the chicken thighs into the air fryer basket. Cook at 400 F for 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, use tongs to carefully flip the thighs over. Then cook for another 6-10 minutes, until the outside of the chicken is crispy and browned.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken thighs to make sure they have reached at least 165 F. Note that some people (myself included!) prefer the flavor of chicken thighs that are heated to 185-195 F. If needed, return the thighs to the air fryer until they reach your desired temperature.
- Let rest for 5-10 minutes, then serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Estimates (Per Serving)
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutrition Estimates are per serving and included as a courtesy only. They are accurate to the best of our knowledge based on the ingredients and brands used, but their accuracy is not guaranteed.
The flavors and crispyness were incredible!