Savor the perfect balance of crispiness and flavor with these Dairy-Free Air Fried Lean Chicken Thighs, an easy and wholesome recipe that combines convenience with bold spices. These boneless, skinless chicken thighs are coated in a delicious blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano, then cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer without the need for dairy or heavy oils. Ready in just 30 minutes, this high-protein, low-fat dish is ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep. Finished with a splash of fresh lemon juice for a zesty kick, these chicken thighs pair beautifully with roasted vegetables, salads, or quinoa for a satisfying and nutritious meal. Perfect for health-conscious cooks and air fryer enthusiasts, this recipe proves that healthy eating can be quick, flavorful, and fuss-free!
Begin by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, ensuring a crispier result.
In a medium-sized bowl, combine olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix until a smooth marinade forms.
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the spice mixture.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and allow the chicken to marinate for at least 10 minutes at room temperature. For deeper flavor, marinate in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
Place the marinated chicken thighs in the air fryer's basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. If necessary, cook in batches.
Air fry the chicken thighs for 10 minutes, then flip them over and continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the outside is crispy and golden.
Once done, remove the thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Drizzle with lemon juice for a fresh, zesty finish before serving.
Calories |
1121 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 72.5 g | 93% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.4 g | 82% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 500 mg | 167% | |
| Sodium | 1538 mg | 67% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 7.6 g | 3% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.1 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.7 g | ||
| Protein | 105.3 g | 211% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.7 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 89 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 5.1 mg | 28% | |
| Potassium | 1096 mg | 23% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.