Mediterranean Diet Crispy Air Fried Chicken Thighs
Elevate your weeknight dinners with these Mediterranean Diet Crispy Air Fried Chicken Thighs—an irresistible combination of bold flavors and crispy perfection! This recipe takes tender bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and marinates them in a vibrant blend of extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and fragrant Mediterranean herbs like oregano and thyme. The magic happens in the air fryer, where the chicken gets golden and crispy with less oil, making it a healthier alternative to traditional frying. Ready in under 45 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy schedules yet feels indulgent. Sprinkle fresh parsley before serving for a refreshing finish, and pair with classic Mediterranean sides like a Greek salad or roasted vegetables for a complete, balanced meal. Perfect for fans of air fryer recipes, Mediterranean diet cooking, and crispy chicken delights!
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large lemon
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
Instructions
Rinse the chicken thighs under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Place them in a large bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, juice of the lemon, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, sea salt, and ground black pepper.
Pour the marinade over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl and let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
Place the marinated chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket to ensure even cooking.
Air fry for 12 minutes, then carefully flip the chicken thighs so they are skin-side up. Continue to air fry for another 13 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy.
Remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes.
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken thighs before serving for a burst of freshness.
Serve warm with your choice of Mediterranean sides like a Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or a grain like quinoa or bulgur.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1664 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 132.0 g | 169% | |
| Saturated Fat | 33.5 g | 168% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 486 mg | 162% | |
| Sodium | 2827 mg | 123% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 13.2 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.2 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.1 g | ||
| Protein | 110.2 g | 220% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 138 mg | 11% | |
| Iron | 7.9 mg | 44% | |
| Potassium | 1619 mg | 34% | |
*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.
