Keto Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs: Air Fryer Perfection in Under 30 Minutes!

Craving a flavorful, juicy, and keto-friendly meal that’s ready in a flash? Look no further! These Keto Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs cooked in the air fryer are the answer to your weeknight dinner prayers. They’re incredibly easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and deliver maximum flavor. The combination of zesty lemon, fragrant garlic, and perfectly crispy chicken skin will have your taste buds singing. Plus, the air fryer ensures the chicken stays incredibly moist on the inside while achieving that desirable golden-brown crispiness on the outside. This recipe is naturally low-carb, gluten-free, and dairy-free (if you use olive oil instead of butter), making it suitable for various dietary needs.

Let’s dive into the details and get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: From prep to plate, this recipe takes under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Keto-Friendly: With very few carbs per serving, this recipe fits perfectly into a ketogenic diet.
Flavorful: The lemon garlic marinade infuses the chicken with incredible flavor.
Crispy Skin, Juicy Meat: The air fryer cooks the chicken perfectly, resulting in crispy skin and tender, juicy meat.
Minimal Ingredients: This recipe uses simple, pantry-staple ingredients.
Easy Cleanup: The air fryer basket makes cleanup a breeze.
Versatile: Serve it with your favorite keto-friendly side dishes for a complete and satisfying meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken Thighs: Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the best flavor and texture. You can also use boneless, skinless thighs, but the cooking time may need to be adjusted, and the skin won’t be crispy. Aim for about 1.5-2 pounds of chicken thighs.
Olive Oil or Melted Butter: Olive oil helps the chicken brown and adds moisture. Melted butter adds richness and flavor. You can use either or a combination of both.
Lemon: You’ll need both the juice and zest of one lemon. The lemon adds a bright, zesty flavor that complements the garlic perfectly.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for this recipe. Mince about 4-6 cloves, depending on your preference.
Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs adds depth of flavor. You can use a pre-made Italian seasoning blend or make your own.
Paprika: Paprika adds a touch of smokiness and color. You can use regular paprika or smoked paprika.
Salt and Pepper: To taste. Don’t be shy with the seasoning!
Optional: Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, fresh parsley for garnish.

Equipment You’ll Need

Air Fryer: This recipe is specifically designed for an air fryer. The size of your air fryer may affect the cooking time, so keep an eye on the chicken.
Mixing Bowl: For marinating the chicken.
Zester: To zest the lemon.
Citrus Juicer: To juice the lemon.
Knife and Cutting Board: For mincing the garlic.
Tongs: To handle the chicken.
Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked through.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Keto Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs in your air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil (or melted butter), lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. If you’re using red pepper flakes, add them now.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in the bowl with the marinade. Make sure each thigh is well coated with the mixture. You can use your hands or tongs to ensure even coverage. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For maximum flavor, marinate for 2-4 hours, or even overnight.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This is important for achieving crispy skin.

Step 4: Arrange the Chicken in the Air Fryer

Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Be careful not to overcrowd the basket, as this will prevent the chicken from browning properly. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.

Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken

Air fry for 20-25 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through. Cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken thighs, as well as your air fryer model. If the skin isn’t as crispy as you’d like, increase the cooking time by a few minutes.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Overcrowding prevents the hot air from circulating properly, resulting in soggy chicken. Cook in batches if necessary.
Pat the Chicken Dry: Before marinating, pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up better in the air fryer.
Use a Meat Thermometer: The only way to be sure the chicken is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone.
Adjust Cooking Time as Needed: Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer and the size of the chicken thighs. Keep an eye on the chicken and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Don’t Skip the Marinade: The marinade is crucial for adding flavor and moisture to the chicken. Marinating for at least 30 minutes is recommended, but longer is even better.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating the air fryer ensures that the chicken starts cooking immediately, resulting in crispier skin.
Flip the Chicken: Flipping the chicken halfway through cooking ensures even browning on both sides.
Let the Chicken Rest: Letting the chicken rest before serving allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.

Serving Suggestions

These Keto Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs are delicious on their own, but they’re even better when served with complementary side dishes. Here are a few keto-friendly suggestions:

Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, zucchini, and asparagus are all excellent choices. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven or air fryer until tender and slightly caramelized.
Mashed Cauliflower: A creamy and delicious alternative to mashed potatoes.
Cauliflower Rice: A versatile and low-carb alternative to rice. You can flavor it with herbs, spices, or even a squeeze of lemon juice.
Green Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing accompaniment to the chicken.
Avocado: A healthy and satisfying source of fats.
Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce: A classic combination that’s both elegant and delicious.
Creamed Spinach: A rich and flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with chicken.

Variations and Substitutions

Want to switch things up? Here are a few variations and substitutions you can try:

Spicy Chicken: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy kick.
Herb Chicken: Use a different herb blend, such as Herbs de Provence or rosemary and thyme.
Honey Garlic Chicken (Not Keto): If you’re not following a keto diet, add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the marinade for a touch of sweetness.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: If you prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs, you can use them in this recipe. Reduce the cooking time by a few minutes.
Chicken Drumsticks: You can also use chicken drumsticks in this recipe. The cooking time will be similar to chicken thighs.
Lemon Pepper Chicken: Simply increase the amount of black pepper and omit the other spices for a lemon pepper flavor.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Leftover Keto Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the air fryer, oven, or microwave.

Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and reheat the chicken for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat the chicken for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Microwave: Microwave the chicken on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overcook, as this can make the chicken dry.

Nutritional Information

The nutritional information below is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

(Per serving, based on 4 servings)

Calories: Approximately 350-400
Fat: 25-30g
Protein: 30-35g
Net Carbs: 2-3g

Recipe Card

Here’s a printable recipe card for your convenience: