Air Fryer Marinated Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are one of my favorite items to meal prep in a big batch. Thighs are often a very affordable protein choice, and they’re so forgiving. You can cook them just a little bit too long, and yet they still turn out juicy.

The seasoning in this recipe is very flavorful - think garlic and lemon zest - and pairs well with many other flavors, meaning you can use this chicken for anything from fajitas, to a mediterranean chicken bowl, to classic chicken salad. This recipe calls for the thighs to be cooked in the air fryer, but feel free to use the oven, a grill pan, or the outdoor grill. Once done, the chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or in the freezer for up to 6 months. Happy meal prepping!

Juicy, ultra-flavorful, versatile recipe that makes meal prep a breeze

Spice Blend Marinade - This makes enough for 3 pounds of chicken thighs - halve this recipe, if necessary

  • Salt - 1 teaspoon

  • Cumin - 1 teaspoon

  • Dried oregano - 1 teaspoon

  • Onion powder - 1 teaspoon

  • Garlic powder - 1 teaspoon

  • Paprika (hot, sweet, smoked, whatever variety you have) - 1 teaspoon

  • Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon

  • Turmeric - 1/2 teaspoon

  • Zest of 1 lemon

  • 1 fat clove of garlic, minced

  • Olive oil - 3-4 tablespoons

  • 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs

Directions:

  1. Combine all of the spices, lemon zest, garlic, and olive oil. Stir until it forms a thick paste.

  2. Massage into chicken thighs and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3, or up to 24, hours.

  3. Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F according to manufacturer’s directions.

  4. Add chicken in a single layer, do not overlap. Cook for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

  5. Cook chicken until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F using a probe thermometer.


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