Air Fryer Herb-Crusted Chicken Thighs with Garlic Butter Sauce

Name: Air Fryer Herb-Crusted Chicken Thighs with Garlic Butter Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds total); 1/2 cup almond flour; 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped; 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 tbsp unsalted butter; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp fresh lemon juice; Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

By AirFryFeast Editorial TeamPublished Apr 13, 2026 | Updated Jun 16, 2026

This air fryer recipe delivers juicy, crispy chicken thighs coated in a flavorful herb crust and finished with a rich garlic butter sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's a perfect main course ideal for quick weeknight dinners meals.

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Air fryerAmericanEasyAir Fryer Friendly

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time18 mins

Total Time28 mins

Servings4

Temperature400°F / 200°C

Ingredients

Servings4

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds total)
1/2 cup almond flour
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
In a medium bowl, mix almond flour, Parmesan cheese, parsley, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to create the herb crust mixture.
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Drizzle olive oil evenly over each thigh, rubbing it all around to coat thoroughly.
Coat each chicken thigh evenly with the herb crust mixture, pressing firmly to adhere the crust on all sides.
Place the coated chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, skin side up, ensuring no overcrowding. Cook in batches if necessary.
Air fry for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway at 9 minutes, until the skin is golden and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Meanwhile, melt butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Remove from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice. Keep warm until serving.
Transfer cooked chicken thighs to a serving plate and drizzle generously with warm garlic butter sauce.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.

Recipe guidance

Crispiness Control

Pat the bone-in dry, avoid crowding, and use only a light coat of oil or sauce before cooking. Add wet sauces near the end when you want the outside to stay crisp.