Keto Crispy Air Fryer Mediterranean Chicken Thighs
Boneless skinless chicken thighs seasoned with warm spices, lemon, and sumac, then air-fried until golden and crispy. The combination of cumin, cinnamon, and allspice delivers bold Mediterranean flavors with bright citrus notes. Perfect for weeknight dinners when you want restaurant-quality results in under 30 minutes. This version uses an air fryer for a healthier alternative to pan-frying while maintaining maximum crispiness on the exterior and juicy meat inside.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Combine sumac, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, allspice, and salt in a bowl and stir until mixed.
- 2
Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
- 3
Place chicken in a zip-lock bag with olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and spice blend.
- 4
Seal bag and shake until chicken is evenly coated.
- 5
Refrigerate for 15 minutes to 24 hours, or cook immediately for best results.
- 6
Spray air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray and preheat to 375 degrees F.
- 7
Arrange chicken thighs in basket rounded side down in a single layer, working in batches if needed.
- 8
Air fry for 14 minutes.
- 9
Flip chicken and air fry for 4 to 6 minutes until crispy and cooked through.
- 10
Check internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F at the thickest part.
- 11
Serve with your choice of side dishes.
Tips
Pat chicken completely dry before marinating to ensure maximum crispiness during air frying.
Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest thigh to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken without drying it out.
Marinate for at least 15 minutes but up to 24 hours for deeper flavor development.
Good to Know
Refrigerate cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Let cool to room temperature before storing.
Marinate chicken in the zip-lock bag up to 24 hours before cooking. Do not freeze after marinating.
Serve warm with rice, roasted vegetables, fresh salad, or flatbread. Pair with tzatziki or hummus for dipping.
Common Mistakes
Do not skip patting chicken dry to avoid steaming instead of crisping in the air fryer.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to avoid uneven cooking; work in batches if needed.
Do not skip the internal temperature check to avoid serving undercooked chicken.
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I use bone-in chicken thighs instead?
Yes. Bone-in thighs require different timing: air fry at 375 degrees F for 10 minutes per side. Check internal temperature at the thickest part before serving.
What if I don't have sumac?
Use additional lemon zest or a pinch of ground coriander. Sumac adds a tangy flavor, so lemon zest is the closest substitute for brightness.
How long can I keep leftovers?
Cooked chicken lasts 4 days refrigerated in an airtight container. Reheat in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness.