Air Fryer Keto Chicken Thighs
Why this recipe works
- Crisp skin: Drying the chicken before seasoning helps the skin brown and crisp properly in the air fryer.
- Balanced richness: Lemon zest and juice cut through the butter and chicken fat, keeping the finish bright rather than heavy.
- Efficient cooking: The broccoli cooks while the chicken rests, so the main and side are ready within the same short cooking window.
Get the most out of this recipe
Texture tips
- For crisper skin: Pat the chicken very dry before adding the rub, and keep the thighs in a single layer so hot air can circulate.
- Keep the meat juicy: Let the thighs rest before serving so the juices settle back into the meat rather than running out on the plate.
Timing notes
- Rest before serving: A short rest after air-frying helps the chicken stay succulent and gives you time to cook the broccoli.
- Prep is minimal: Most of the time is hands-off air-frying; the active work is mainly seasoning the chicken and cutting the broccoli.
Ingredient swaps
- Dairy-free finish: Use extra-virgin olive oil instead of butter for the lemon finish if you want to keep the dish dairy-free.
- Softer paprika flavour: Swap smoked paprika for sweet paprika if you prefer a gentler, less smoky seasoning.
Make-ahead tips
- Store separately: Refrigerate the chicken and broccoli in separate airtight containers so the broccoli does not soften the chicken skin.
- Reheat for best texture: Reheat the chicken skin-side up in the air fryer at 180°C (355°F) until piping hot to help the skin crisp again.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry. Crush the garlic, then mix it with the olive oil, smoked paprika, fine sea salt, and black pepper. Rub this all over the chicken, getting some under the skin where you can.
- Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for 3 minutes. Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up in the basket in a single layer. Air-fry for 22 to 26 minutes, turning once, until the skin is deep golden and the juices run clear.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate to rest for 5 minutes. Cut the broccoli into florets, then toss with any remaining seasoned oil left in the bowl. Air-fry the broccoli at 200°C (390°F) for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking halfway, until tender with crisped edges.
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan or in a heatproof bowl in the microwave, then finely grate in a little lemon zest and squeeze in the lemon juice. Spoon the lemon butter over the chicken and serve with the broccoli. Taste and add a pinch more fine sea salt if needed.
Recipe notes
Tips
- For the crispest skin, make sure the chicken is very dry before seasoning and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
- If your air fryer is small, cook the chicken in batches and keep the first batch warm in a 90°C (195°F) oven.
- If you are serving vulnerable people, make sure the chicken is cooked through: the thickest part should be piping hot and no longer pink.
Substitutions
- Replace Smoked paprika with Sweet paprika for a milder, less smoky flavour.
- Replace Butter with Extra-virgin olive oil for a dairy-free lemon finish.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Cool, then refrigerate the chicken and broccoli in separate airtight containers. Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C (355°F) until piping hot, keeping the chicken skin-side up to help re-crisp.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 3 servings
- Total time: 40min (12min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: Fusion
-
Allergens:
Milk
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