Chimichurri Chicken in the Air Fryer Recipe
This Chimichurri Chicken recipe features juicy, bone-in chicken thighs marinated in a vibrant blend of olive oil, lemon juice, and aromatic spices, then perfectly cooked in an air fryer for a crispy exterior and tender, flavorful meat. Served with a zesty chimichurri sauce, this dish is an easy yet impressive meal perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 24 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 7 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Argentinian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Marinade
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs, skin-on
- ¼ cup (54 g) extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large lemon, juiced (about ¼ cup juice)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
For Serving
- 1 recipe chimichurri sauce (fresh herb sauce typically made from parsley, garlic, vinegar, olive oil, and red pepper flakes)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, kosher salt, ground black pepper, paprika, dried oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix everything thoroughly to create a well-blended marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs to the bowl with the marinade. Toss the chicken pieces to ensure they are evenly coated with the mixture. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat fully.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Prepare your air fryer by setting it to 390°F (approximately 200°C) to preheat, ensuring a hot cooking environment for crisp skin and juicy meat.
- Cook the Chicken: After marinating, position the chicken thighs skin-side up in the air fryer basket. Depending on your air fryer’s capacity, you may need to cook in batches. Air fry the chicken at 390°F for 22 to 24 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking to promote even browning and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, and the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, let the chicken rest briefly to allow juices to redistribute. Serve warm alongside a generous spoonful of fresh chimichurri sauce for vibrant flavor contrast.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for longer than 4 hours is not recommended as the acidity in the lemon juice can start to break down the meat excessively.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to be safely cooked.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, this recipe can be adapted by baking in the oven at 400°F for 35-40 minutes, turning once halfway through.
- Chimichurri sauce can be homemade or store-bought; freshness enhances the dish significantly.
- For crispier skin, pat the chicken dry before marinating and do not cover the air fryer basket with foil or paper in a way that might trap steam.
Keywords: chimichurri chicken, air fryer chicken thighs, argentinian chicken recipe, marinated chicken, easy chicken dinner, crispy chicken thighs
