Elevate your weeknight meals with these Heart-Healthy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs, a flavorful and guilt-free dish that's perfect for keeping your diet on track while indulging in incredible taste. This recipe features juicy, skinless, boneless chicken thighs marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and fragrant herbs like paprika and oregano for a burst of Mediterranean-inspired flavor. Cooked to perfection in the air fryer, these chicken thighs come out golden brown on the outside and tender on the insideβall with minimal fat and no added grease, making them ideal for those watching calories or cholesterol. Ready in under 30 minutes and made with simple pantry staples, this quick and healthy chicken recipe pairs wonderfully with heart-friendly sides like steamed veggies or quinoa. Whether you're meal prepping or serving up a wholesome family dinner, this dish is sure to delight your tastebuds and support your health goals!
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt to create the marinade.
Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
Seal the bag or cover the dish and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
Preheat the air fryer to 380Β°F (193Β°C) for about 5 minutes.
Place the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
Cook the chicken thighs in the air fryer for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, until the internal temperature reaches 165Β°F (74Β°C) and the outside is golden brown.
Once cooked, remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Serve with your favorite heart-healthy sides such as a salad, steamed vegetables, or quinoa.
Calories |
992 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 58.5 g | 75% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.3 g | 72% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 436 mg | 145% | |
| Sodium | 926 mg | 40% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 7.0 g | 3% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.8 g | 6% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.2 g | ||
| Protein | 105.3 g | 211% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 96 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 5.5 mg | 31% | |
| Potassium | 1157 mg | 25% | |
*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.