Crispy Air-Fried Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs with Roasted Asparagus

Crispy Air-Fried Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs with Roasted Asparagus ingredients

• 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 whole lemon, juice and zest
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 0.5 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 bunch (approx. 1 lb) asparagus, tough ends trimmed

How to make Crispy Air-Fried Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs with Roasted Asparagus

1. Pat the chicken thighs thoroughly dry with paper towels; this is crucial for achieving crispy skin and preventing sogginess during air frying.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of olive oil, the juice and zest from 1 lemon, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to create the marinade.
3. Add the dried chicken thighs to the bowl, tossing to coat evenly with the lemon herb mixture. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
4. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and helps create a crispy exterior immediately.
5. Arrange the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, skin-side up, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Cook in batches if necessary to maintain a single layer, which allows for proper air circulation and crisping.
6. Air fry the chicken for 10-12 minutes, then carefully flip the thighs using tongs. Continue to air fry for another 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part and the skin is golden brown and crispy.
7. While the chicken cooks, in a separate bowl, toss the trimmed asparagus with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of black pepper, ensuring the spears are lightly coated.
8. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and tent loosely with foil to rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
9. Immediately add the seasoned asparagus to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 380°F (190°C) for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking, until the asparagus is tender-crisp and slightly charred.
10. Serve the crispy lemon herb chicken thighs alongside the roasted asparagus, drizzling any accumulated pan juices from the chicken over the top.

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