It’s one of those evenings when you want dinner to feel both comforting and a little special, without spending hours in the kitchen. This Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Yogurt Marinade hits that sweet spot — juicy, tender meat wrapped in a golden, crispy skin with a subtle tang that keeps you coming back for more.
I remember the first time I tried this—there was this tiny moment when I almost forgot to set the timer, distracted by a text. When I finally pulled the chicken out, the aroma had filled the whole kitchen: warm spices mingled with lemony brightness and that unmistakable richness from the yogurt. The skin crackled under my fork, and the meat inside was so tender it practically melted. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting such a perfect balance of crispy and creamy. It’s the kind of dish that makes you pause and savor every bite, even if you’re half-thinking about what to do next.
Why You’ll Love It:
- The marinade’s yogurt base keeps the chicken incredibly tender while adding a delicate tang, making every bite flavorful without being heavy.
- Cooking in the air fryer means you get that coveted crispy skin without the mess of deep-frying or extra oil — it’s straightforward but not boring.
- It’s quick to prep, but the flavors deepen if you let it marinate longer, so you can adjust based on how much time you have.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients, just honest, delicious food.
If you’re a bit nervous about using the air fryer or haven’t tried marinating chicken in yogurt before, don’t worry. This recipe is forgiving. I usually let the thighs sit in the fridge for a few hours, but even a short marinating time makes a noticeable difference.
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Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Yogurt Marinade
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Tender and flavorful chicken thighs marinated in a creamy yogurt mixture, then cooked to crispy perfection in the air fryer. A simple and healthy way to enjoy juicy chicken with a tangy, spiced marinade.
Ingredients
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds)
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, ground cumin, paprika, ground coriander, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to form the marinade.
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the yogurt marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours for best flavor.
Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 5 minutes.
Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if necessary.
Cook the chicken thighs in the air fryer at 380°F (193°C) for 10 minutes.
Flip the chicken thighs skin-side up and continue cooking for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy and golden brown.
Remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Kitchen Notes:
Your air fryer is the star here, and it’s pretty flexible — any basic model will do just fine. For serving, I like tossing the chicken with a fresh salad or some roasted veggies to keep things light. Sometimes, I swap out the spices for a more herb-forward mix, though I haven’t tested it extensively, so results might vary. Another time, I added a drizzle of honey to the marinade for a touch of sweetness, which was interesting but not for everyone. If you prefer boneless, skinless thighs, they’ll cook faster, but you’ll miss some of that signature crispiness.
FAQ
Can I use this marinade for other meats?
Absolutely, though cooking times will differ — chicken breasts or pork chops could work well.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating helps get the skin crispy right away, but if you’re in a rush, you can skip it and just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days and reheat in the air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Ready to bring a little crispy-creamy magic to dinner? Give this a try and see how simple ingredients can transform into something so satisfying.