Air Fryer Garlic Ranch Chicken Thighs

Juicy and flavorful, these air fryer chicken thighs are seasoned with a mouthwatering combination of garlic and ranch seasoning. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or meal prep, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers tender, crispy chicken with minimal effort. The air fryer locks in moisture while creating a crispy exterior, making it a healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (approximately 1.5 lbs total)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
• 3 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt (adjust based on ranch seasoning saltiness)
• Optional: Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken:
   • Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick and ensures crispy skin.
   • Rub each thigh with olive oil on all sides.
2. Season the Chicken:
   • In a small bowl, mix the ranch seasoning, minced garlic (or garlic powder), smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.
   • Generously rub the seasoning mixture onto the chicken thighs, ensuring an even coating.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer:
   • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
4. Cook the Chicken:
   • Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece for proper airflow.
   • Cook for 12 minutes, then flip the thighs skin-side up.
   • Continue cooking for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.
5. Optional: Crisp the Skin Further
   • Increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook for an extra 2-3 minutes if you want the skin to be extra crispy.
6. Serve:
   • Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or cilantro if desired.

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 24 minutes
• Total Time: 29 minutes

Nutrition Information (per serving, assuming 4 servings)

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 21g
• Fat: 17g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 0g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 450mg (may vary based on ranch seasoning)

Tips for Success

1. Choose Bone-In, Skin-On Thighs: These retain more moisture and flavor compared to boneless, skinless options.
2. Don’t Overcrowd: Ensure there’s space between the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket for even cooking.
3. Rest Before Serving: Letting the chicken rest allows the juices to redistribute, making it even juicier.

Serving Suggestions

Pair the chicken with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or a side of mashed potatoes for a complete meal. It also works well with a low-carb side like cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

Let me know if you’d like to explore variations or need additional information! 😊