Zesty Air Fryer Lemon Rosemary Chicken Thighs: A 30-Minute Mediterranean-Inspired Feast
Introduction
Transport your taste buds to the sun-soaked Mediterranean with our Air Fryer Lemon Rosemary Chicken Thighs recipe! This dish combines the bright, citrusy notes of lemon with the aromatic essence of rosemary, all achieved with the convenience of air frying. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect choice for a quick yet sophisticated weeknight dinner that will make you feel like you’re dining on the Italian coast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and elegant: Ready in just 30 minutes
- Healthier option: Uses minimal oil while delivering maximum flavor
- Versatile: Great on its own, with roasted vegetables, or atop a salad
- Impressive: A restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly simple to make
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs total)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced (for garnish)
Optional for serving: extra lemon wedges, fresh rosemary sprigs
Kitchen Equipment Needed
Pro Tip: The Cosori Air Fryer ensures perfectly crispy skin while infusing the chicken with lemon and rosemary flavors, creating a harmonious blend of tastes and textures!
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, chopped rosemary, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then rub them thoroughly with the herb and lemon mixture, making sure to get some under the skin.
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin side up, ensuring they don’t overlap.
- Cook for 12 minutes, then flip the chicken thighs.
- Cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add a few lemon slices to the air fryer basket for garnish.
- Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with the air-fried lemon slices, additional fresh rosemary sprigs, and serve with extra lemon wedges if desired.
Tips for Success
- For maximum flavor, prepare the herb and lemon mixture in advance and marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary for the best results.
- If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, add an extra tablespoon of lemon juice to the mixture.
Variations
- Lemon Herb Medley: Add 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme and oregano to the herb mixture for a more complex flavor profile.
- Spicy Lemon Rosemary: Include 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes in the mixture for a hint of heat.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 0.5g
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Air Fryer Lemon Rosemary Chicken Thighs with roasted Mediterranean vegetables and a side of quinoa for a complete, balanced meal. For an extra special presentation, use these beautiful White and Gold Serving Platters.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container like these Glass Food Storage Containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-6 minutes, or until heated through.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this Air Fryer Lemon Rosemary Chicken Thighs recipe, you might also like these recipes from our Air Fryer Chicken collection:
- Five Spice Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs
- Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken Thighs
For more delicious air fryer chicken recipes, check out our Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Round-up Post or explore our Air Fryer Chicken Breast Round-up Post for a variety of air fryer chicken dishes.
Air Fryer Lemon Rosemary Chicken Thighs Conclusion
We hope this Air Fryer Lemon Rosemary Chicken Thighs recipe brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your dinner table! It’s a perfect example of how air frying can create sophisticated, restaurant-quality meals with minimal effort and time. Don’t forget to share your lemon rosemary creations with us on social media and let us know your favorite way to serve these aromatic chicken thighs.
Happy air frying!
This recipe is part of our Air Fryer Chicken series. Discover more air fryer chicken recipes in our [Link to Air Fryer Chicken Round-up Post] or explore all our air fryer chicken collections in our [Link to Master Air Fryer Chicken Round-up Post].
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