Making Lemon Pepper chicken thighs in air fryer is our new favorite easy dinner recipe. With just a few ingredients, these Air fryer lemon pepper chicken thighs are ready in less than 20 mins. The lemon pepper marinade takes this boneless chicken to another level. It’s super easy, quick and flavorful.
2½teaspoonsLemon pepper seasoning (divided 2 ½ for marinade and 1 ½ for optional butter glaze)
1½teaspoonGarlic powder
Lemon pepper butter sauce
2 Tablespoon Butter(melted)
1½teaspoonsHomemade Lemon pepper seasoning
4 Tablespoons Dry lemon zest
2 teaspoons Salt
1½Tablespoons Black pepper
1½Tablespoons Garlic powder
Instructions
Marinate the chicken
If using homemade lemon pepper seasoning, mix all the ingredients for the seasoning and set aside.
Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towel, then place chicken thighs in a bowl, add oil, 2 ½ teaspoons of lemon pepper seasoning blend and garlic powder.
Toss chicken in seasoning till well coated with marinade, cover with cling film and let it marinade for 30 mins to overnight in the refrigerator. If you are in a pinch with time, marinade for at least 15 mins
Air fry the chicken
When ready to cook , place seasoned lemon pepper chicken thighs in the air fryer and air fry at 400°F / 200°C for 15 to 18 mins. Flipping halfway through. Chicken is cooked through when internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C
Make the Lemon butter sauce
Mix the butter and the remaining 1 ½ teaspoons of lemon pepper seasoning.
Brush butter and lemon pepper mix all over chicken and serve with lemon slices and your favorite side dish
Notes
There is no need to spray the basket since the chicken marinade has oil. If you are concerned about sticking, use perforated parchment paper.
Do not overcrowd the basket. Cool in batches if needed.
The size and weight of the chicken thighs will determine how long it will take to cook.
The use of a meat thermometer is highly recommended when cooking meats. If you don’t have one, check the meat for doneness by cutting it at the thickest part. It should be white and juice should run clear and not red.
This recipe was made in a non preheated air fryer. However if cooking in batches, subsequent batches may cook quicker since the air fryer got preheated during the first batch.
If you don’t want to make a butter glaze. Use up all the lemon pepper seasoning for the marinade.
Nutrition DisclaimerNutritional information is an estimate and may change based on products used. Please read our Nutrition disclaimer page.
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