Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs are super juicy and flavorful, made with homemade lemon pepper seasoning using fresh lemon juice and cracked black pepper instead of store-bought. This 25-minute recipe features a tangy, peppery marinade and air-fried crispy skin for the perfect bite!
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Lemon juice, black pepper, and spices give these chicken thighs a serious punch of flavor. 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 for the freshest zesty sauce. If you love bright, citrusy flavors, check out my lemon ricotta pasta and orzo salad with lemon vinaigrette for more delicious ways to cook with fresh lemon!
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
Soak the Chicken in Lemon Juice
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 it for 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.
Air Fryer & Serve
Cook the chicken in a single layer for about 25 minutes, flipping it halfway through. Serve with your favorite sides.
Sarah's 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.
Serving
This lemon pepper chicken will go great with all of your favorite sides, including easy roasted broccoli for a simple veggie pairing, Greek lemon potatoes for a tangy, herb-infused side, and air fryer smashed potatoes for a crispy, golden-brown bite. Each of these sides complements the bright, zesty flavors of the chicken perfectly!
Storage and Reheating
Cooked chicken will be stored well 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.
More Chicken Recipes
Did you make this recipe? Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and a comment below—I’d love to hear how it turned out! THANK YOU!
Recipe
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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. (4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, 2 large lemons)
- 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. (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)
- 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.
- Cooked chicken will be stored well 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.
Bill Fowler says
definitely easy and tasty.
Sarah Holt says
Glad you enjoyed it Bill!