If you crave juicy chicken with irresistibly crispy skin, these Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Thighs are about to become your new favourite keto dinner. Using the air fryer means you get all the crunch of deep-fried chicken with a fraction of the effort and none of the carbs. Chicken thighs are naturally rich in flavour and healthy fats, making them perfect for a low-carb, high-protein meal.
In this recipe, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are seasoned with a blend of garlic, smoked paprika, and herbs, then air fried until golden and crackling. A quick garlic herb butter is brushed on at the end for extra richness and a punch of flavour. The result? Succulent meat, shatteringly crisp skin, and a dish that feels indulgent but fits perfectly into your keto lifestyle.
Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or a fuss-free weekend treat. Serve with a simple green salad or roasted low-carb veg for a complete meal.
At a glance
- Time: 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Servings: 4
- Cost: Affordable
Macros (per serving)
- Protein: 28 g
- Fat: 24 g
- Carbs: 1 g
- Energy: 325 kcal
Ingredients
- 4 large Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on) (about 800g total)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp Dried thyme
- 1 tsp Salt (fine sea salt)
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 tbsp Butter (softened)
- 1 tbsp Fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- 1 clove Garlic (fresh) (minced)
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Pastry brush
- Small saucepan
- Tongs
Steps
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with kitchen paper to ensure maximum crispiness.
- In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken thighs, coating both sides thoroughly.
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes.
- Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching.
- Air fry at 200°C for 12 minutes, then flip the thighs skin-side up.
- Continue air frying for another 10–12 minutes, or until the skin is deep golden and the internal temperature reaches 75°C.
- While the chicken cooks, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped parsley, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Once the chicken is done, brush the hot thighs with the garlic herb butter. Rest for 3 minutes before serving.
Allergens & Swaps
Allergens:
Recipe contains: dairy
Potential swaps:
- Butter → Dairy-free spread or ghee — For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based butter alternative or ghee if tolerated.
Serving Ideas
- Simple green salad – for a refreshing, low-carb side.
- Roasted broccoli – adds fibre and crunch.
- Cauliflower mash – for a comforting, keto-friendly pairing.
Additional Info
Chefs Tips
- Let the chicken come to room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking for even results.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and ensure juicy meat.
- Rest the chicken after air frying to allow juices to redistribute.
Variations
- Add a pinch of chilli flakes to the seasoning for a spicy kick.
- Swap parsley for fresh coriander or chives for a different herb flavour.
- Use lemon zest in the butter for a citrusy finish.
Troubleshooting
- If the skin isn't crisping, increase the air fryer temperature by 10°C for the last 3 minutes.
- If the chicken is browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil and reduce the temperature.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the air fryer to restore crispiness.
- Fridge: up to 3 days
- Freezer: up to 2 months
- Reheat: Air fry at 180°C for 5–7 minutes until hot and crisp.
Ingredient Spotlight
Chicken thighs: Naturally higher in fat and flavour than chicken breast, perfect for keto and for achieving crispy skin.
Olive oil: Adds healthy fats and helps the seasoning adhere for maximum flavour.
Smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smokiness and beautiful colour to the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, but reduce the cooking time by 3–4 minutes as boneless thighs cook faster and can dry out more easily.
How do I get the skin extra crispy?
Pat the chicken very dry before seasoning, and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket so air can circulate freely.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative or ghee if you tolerate it.
What temperature should the chicken reach?
The thickest part of the thigh should reach 75°C for safe, juicy results.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes, you can season the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and air fry just before serving for best texture.
Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Thighs with Garlic Herb Butter
Ingredients
- 4 large Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on) (about 800g total)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp Dried thyme
- 1 tsp Salt (fine sea salt)
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 tbsp Butter (softened)
- 1 tbsp Fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- 1 clove Garlic (fresh) (minced)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with kitchen paper to ensure maximum crispiness.
- In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken thighs, coating both sides thoroughly.
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes.
- Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching.
- Air fry at 200°C for 12 minutes, then flip the thighs skin-side up.
- Continue air frying for another 10–12 minutes, or until the skin is deep golden and the internal temperature reaches 75°C.
- While the chicken cooks, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped parsley, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Once the chicken is done, brush the hot thighs with the garlic herb butter. Rest for 3 minutes before serving.
Allergens & Swaps
Allergens: dairy
- Butter → Dairy-free spread or ghee — For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based butter alternative or ghee if tolerated.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Protein: 28 g
- Fat: 24 g
- Carbs: 1 g
- Energy: 325 kcal
