Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs are super juicy and flavorful. They are done in just 25 minutes and pair well with so many side dishes!
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Why You'll Love this Recipe
- Juicy and flavorful. Lemon juice, black pepper and spices give these chicken thighs a serious punch of flavor.
- Simple ingredients. You only need a handful of ingredients that you already have at home. This recipe uses a real lemon and black pepper marinade rather than store-bought lemon pepper seasoning.
- 30-minute meal. The chicken is done in just about 30 minutes by using the air fryer. Perfect for a busy weeknight! Check out my Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs next.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Chicken thighs- I like using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for this recipe but you can also use boneless chicken thighs.
- Black pepper- you will need 1 ½ tablespoons of black pepper for this chicken.
- Lemon- this recipe calls for the juice from 2 whole lemons. You can also add in some lemon zest if you wish.
See the recipe card below for the remaining ingredients and quantities.
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken. The first step is to soak the chicken thighs in lemon juice for 5 minutes. This really helps the chicken soak in the lemon flavor. However, soaking for longer may leave the chicken with a lemon taste that is too strong so I would suggest soaking no more than 5 minutes.
- Season the chicken. Rub all of the spices and olive oil over the chicken thighs. I like to use my hands for this.
- Preheat the air fryer and cook. Cook the chicken in a single layer for about 25 minutes, flipping it halfway through.
Recipe FAQs
I use the NuWave Brio 14-qt. Digital Air Fryer Oven. In the past, I used the 6qt. air fryer from NuWave. Both are great and I highly recommend them!
Yes- however, I prefer to make this recipe without. If you use lemon pepper seasoning, check the ingredients as they can vary. Some contain salt and some don't so you may want to adjust the amount of salt you use in the recipe. Be sure to still use fresh lemon juice and olive oil.
Cooked chicken will store great in both the fridge and the freezer. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
If freezing, let the chicken defrost in the fridge or at room temperature and then reheat it in the microwave.
Lemon pepper seasoning is made of black pepper, dried lemon zest and salt.
Top Tips
- Use fresh lemon juice and fresh black pepper for this recipe.
- Cook the chicken to no more than 170 degrees F. Any longer and the chicken can begin to dry out. Use a meat thermometer by sticking it into the thickest part of the chicken.
- Cooking time will vary depending on your air fryer model. Be sure to check the temperature of the chicken after 20 minutes.
Side Dishes for Lemon Pepper Chicken
This chicken will go great with all of your favorite sides, including easy roasted broccoli, Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes and Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes.
- Roasted Garlic Air Fryer Carrots25 Minutes
- How to Cook Frozen Broccoli25 Minutes
- Italian Tomato Salad10 Minutes
- Lemon Pearl Couscous17 Minutes
More Chicken Recipes
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Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs
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Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin on chicken thighs
- 2 ½ large lemons
- 1 ½ tablespoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Begin by soaking the chicken thighs in the juice from 2 lemons for 5 minutes. Drain the lemon juice.
- Season the chicken with the black pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne and Italian seasoning. Pour olive oil over the chicken and rub to coat the chicken on all sides.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F. Squeeze ½ of a lemon over the chicken before cooking.
- Air fry for 25-30 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. Internal temperature should be at least 165 degrees F.
Sarah's Tips
- Use fresh lemon juice and fresh black pepper for this recipe.
- Cook the chicken to no more than 170 degrees F. Any longer and the chicken can begin to dry out. Use a meat thermometer by sticking it into the thickest part of the chicken.
- Cooking time will vary depending on your air fryer model. Be sure to check the temperature of the chicken after 20 minutes.
Bill Fowler says
definitely easy and tasty.
Sarah Holt says
Glad you enjoyed it Bill!