Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Are you looking for something quick and easy to get on the dinner table on a busy weekday night? These Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs are just what you are looking for— crispy chicken skin and juicy on the inside.

Two-ingredient dinner ideas are my favorite. With only a few steps, it makes planning dinner so easy. You don’t need a lot of ingredients for a delicious dinner idea.

Chicken thighs with the skin on is one of my favorites. I love how the air fryer crisps up the skin and makes the inside so juicy.

If you enjoy chicken thighs as much as I do, make sure to check out these other super easy and few-ingredient chicken thigh recipes; Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Thighs, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs and Potatoes, Air Fryer Shake N Bake Chicken Thighs, and Air Fryer Blackened Chicken Thighs.

black air fryer basket with cooked chicken inside. spatula holding chicken

❤️ Why you’ll love this easy air fryer recipe

Budget Friendly – I bought these chicken thighs at my local meat market—50 lb for $20.00. Buying in bulk is a great way to decrease the cost per serving.
Easy Recipe – With only two ingredients, this recipe is super easy; you can find all the ingredients at your local grocery store.
Meal Prep – these lemon pepper chicken thighs are excellent for meal prep! Whip up some of your favorite vegetables or rice to serve with them.

Ingredients

Bone-In Chicken Thighs – I got these at a local meat market, but you can buy them at any local grocery store.
Lemon Pepper Seasoning – I used store-bought, but you can easily make your own Lemon Pepper Seasoning.

ingredient photo for Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

✳️ Tips & Tricks

Once the timer goes off on the air fryer, ensure the internal temperature is 165F.
You always want to remove the chicken immediately to ensure you don’t dry out the chicken.
If needed, pull the chicken skin to cover the whole thigh.

Tools to make this Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer

Air Fryer – this is my favorite air fryer. The large air fryer basket makes it so easy to cook your favorite recipes.
Tongs – tongs are easiest to remove and flip the chicken
Meat thermometer – You always want to ensure the internal temperature of ANY chicken is 165F.

How to make Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Sprinkle the seasoning on top of the chicken thighs.
Use your palm to push the seasoning into the chicken thighs.
Flip the chicken thighs over and sprinkle the remaining seasoning on it.
Transfer the chicken thighs to the air fryer basket and cook for 16 minutes or until the internal temperature is 165F. Flipping halfway through.
Remove from the air fryer basket and serve.

Oven Directions

Preheat oven to 400F.
Sprinkle the seasoning on top of the chicken thighs.
Use your palm to push the seasoning into the chicken thighs.
Flip the chicken thighs over and sprinkle the remaining seasoning on it.
Place chicken in a baking pan and cook for 20 minutes or until the internal temperature is 165F.
Remove from the oven and serve.

Substitutions

You can use boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken leg quarters if you don’t like or have bone-in chicken thighs.

white bowl with rice and chicken inside. chicken in the background

What to serve with Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

If you have been here from the start, you know Instant Pot Rice is my go-to! It comes out so fluffy every time. You can also serve them with your favorite Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables.

How to store

Store leftovers in an airtight glass container for up to 5 days.

♨️ How to reheat

Remove the lid from the container and microwave on high for 1 to 1.5 minutes or until the chicken is warm. Alternatively, you can transfer to a microwave save plate to warm up.

To warm this up in your air fryer, cook it for 2-3 minutes at 400F.

❓FAQs

How long do you cook thighs in an air fryer?

Boneless chicken thighs 14-16 minutes at 390F and bone-in chicken thighs 16-18 minutes at 390F.

Can you put tin foil in an air fryer?

If I want an easy cleanup, I add aluminum foil to the air fryer basket.

black air fryer basket with cooked chicken inside

More Air Fryer Chicken Thigh Recipes

Chicken thighs are one of the easiest things to cook in the air fryer. If you enjoyed this air fryer lemon pepper chicken thigh recipe, you need to check out these other delicious chicken thigh recipes.