Mediterranean Diet Crispy Air Fried Chicken Thighs

Experience the perfect balance of healthy and indulgent with these Mediterranean Diet Crispy Air Fried Chicken Thighs! Juicy, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are marinated in a zesty blend of fresh lemon juice, garlic, and a medley of Mediterranean spices like oregano, thyme, and paprika, then air fried to golden perfection. This quick and easy recipe delivers irresistibly crispy skin without the need for deep frying, making it a guilt-free crowd-pleaser that’s both flavorful and nutritious. Ready in under an hour with minimal prep, these chicken thighs pair beautifully with vibrant sides like Greek salad or roasted vegetables for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, this dish brings bold, sun-kissed flavors to your table while keeping things healthy and fuss-free.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

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

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the chicken thighs under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Place them in a large bowl.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

Remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes.

Step 8

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken thighs before serving for a burst of freshness.

Step 9

Serve warm with your choice of Mediterranean sides like a Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or a grain like quinoa or bulgur.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(726.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1664.4

Total Fat 132.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 33.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 486mg	0%
Sodium 2827.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 13.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 4.2g	0%
Total Sugars 2.1g
Protein 110.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 138.3mg	0%
Iron 7.9mg	0%
Potassium 1618.8mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 70.6%

Protein: 26.2%

Carbs: 3.1%