These Paleo and Whole30 air fryer lemon pepper chicken thighs are crispy on the outside and full of juicy flavor on the inside. This keto and gluten free recipe is one of the easiest ways to get dinner on the table or meal prep done in just under 30 minutes. Your family will love it and you’ll love how easy clean up will be! Chicken thighs in the air fryer are my absolute favorite!
Whole30 Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Ingredients
To get started you should know that you could use already made lemon pepper seasoning but I think making your own is a lot easier and it’s also budget friendly. Plus, you’re better able to control what is all in the seasoning, such as making sure there is no added sugar. If you make your own, simply mix together pepper, smoked paprika, oregano, and garlic powder. Told ya, super simple! The lemon flavor will come from fresh lemon.
In addition you’ll need your trusty air fryer, chicken thighs, and a lemon to make this Whole30 recipe come to life. All of these ingredients are regularly found in my kitchen but if you need to get anything to make it yourself you can find it all at any of your major grocers like Target or Walmart. Planning ahead? Everything you’ll need can also be found on Amazon or through Thrive Market with a discount (new members receive a $20 shopping credit!).
Related: Whole30 Compliant Items at Target, Whole30 Compliant Items at Walmart
The Easy Cooking Process
To start this super easy Whole30 chicken recipe put your boneless chicken thighs in a bowl and add in the lemon juice. Then you’ll coat them generously with your spice mixture. You can rub the spices and lemon juice in with your hands, or just cover and let marinate together for 30 minutes.
After that, place the thighs in a single layer in your air fryer and crank it up to 400 degrees to cook for 12 minutes. Be sure that halfway through the cooking cycle you flip your chicken thighs over, this will ensure that your chicken thighs are perfectly cooked on both sides.
Serve these with any variation of veggies, the options are limitless for what will work as a side for this dish. Steamed or raw you can’t go wrong! We love steamed green beans and a side salad!
Other Whole30 Recipes You’ll Love:
Lemon Chicken & Squash Skillet
5 Minute Instant Pot Chicken Meatballs & Marinara
50 Easy Whole30 Chicken Recipes
PrintAir Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs: Whole30, Paleo, Keto, GF
These Paleo and Whole30 air fryer lemon pepper chicken thighs are crispy on the outside and full of juicy flavor on the inside. This keto and gluten free recipe is one of the easiest ways to get dinner on the table or meal prep done in just under 30 minutes. Your family will love it and you’ll love how easy clean up will be!
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 12
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: Serves 3-4 1x
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2.5 tbsp fresh lemon juice (the juice from about 1 whole lemon)
- 1.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1–2 tbsp lemon zest (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Add the chicken thighs and lemon juice to a bowl mix together to coat the chicken. Then add in the spices, stirring to evenly coat the chicken thighs. You can also use your hands to rub it into the chicken. Marinate for 30 minutes
- Place the chicken thighs in one layer in the air fryer, you may need to do this in two batches if your air fryer basket isn’t large enough to not crowd the thighs
- Cook on 400 degrees F. for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through
- Remove, garnish with lemon zest and serve with desired vegetables or sides
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Deb says
Very good…and easy to make! Thank you!
Liz P says
Yum! These came out so juicy and delicious! I found my new way of cooking chicken thighs!
Leah says
Hi! I am very new to cooking in the air fryer. All the other recipes I have made specified whether or not to preheat before. Yours did not so, I didn’t. I am guessing this is why I couldn’t get the internal temp to 165. I ended up having to cook and extra 15 mins to get a safe internal temp. Any ideas of what I did wrong. Like a said guessing it’s because I didn’t preheat? Thanks for your help.
paleobailey says
Hi Leah! I don’t have an air fryer that requires preheating. Did you use larger chicken thighs, perhaps bone-in? That could be why it took longer, too. Also if yours does require preheating, I would work under the assumption you should always do that first with your air fryer 🙂 Sorry about that!
Cynthia says
This is my favorite chicken thigh recipe!! Soooo good.
paleobailey says
I am SO glad to hear this!! Thank you so much, Cynthia! <3 - B
Amy says
Just wonderful! I made these a few days ago and they were such a hit I am doing it again!
Super easy and fast. Used a zip loc bag to marinate the chicken – no prep cleanup. Doesn’t get easier than this!
paleobailey says
I’m so glad you love them!! Thank you so much!
Tracey Fingas says
These were so easy and delicious! Definitely my new favourite way to cook chicken thighs.
Candice says
I have made this recipe probably 5 or more times so I figured I should probably write a review ? These are simply the BEST lemon chicken thighs I’ve ever had. So incredibly easy and the flavor is out of this world. I pair this with your mustard roasted potatoes and WOW – what a hit. Thanks for the amazing recipes!
paleobailey says
Oh gosh I’m SO happy to hear this!! Thank you so much, Candice! I really appreciate you taking the time to let me know! <3 - B
Kristina H. says
Dang! These are DELICIOUS!
paleobailey says
SO happy you like them! These are one of my favorite things to do in the air fryer.. so good!! <3 - B