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Keto Air Fryer Garlic Butter Chicken - Juicy, Fast, and Flavor-Packed

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken thighs or breasts (boneless, skinless; 1.5–2 pounds)
  • Butter (4 tablespoons, unsalted)
  • Olive oil (1 tablespoon)
  • Fresh garlic (4–5 cloves, minced) or 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder
  • Lemon (zest and 1 tablespoon juice)
  • Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped) or 1 teaspoon dried
  • Fresh thyme (1 teaspoon, chopped) or 1/2 teaspoon dried
  • Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon)
  • Onion powder (1 teaspoon)
  • Salt (1 to 1.5 teaspoons, to taste)
  • Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon)
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, a pinch for heat)
  • Grated Parmesan (optional, 2 tablespoons, for extra richness)
  • Cooking spray (avocado or olive oil, for the air fryer basket)

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps it brown nicely. If using breasts, pound to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
  2. Make the garlic butter: In a small bowl, melt the butter. Stir in olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, thyme, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. If using Parmesan, mix it in now.
  3. Coat the chicken: Place the chicken in a large bowl. Pour two-thirds of the garlic butter over it and toss to coat. Reserve the remaining butter for brushing later.
  4. Preheat the air fryer: Set to 380°F (193°C) for 3–5 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.
  5. Air fry the first side: Arrange the chicken in a single layer, not overlapping. Cook for 8–10 minutes for thighs, 7–9 minutes for breasts, depending on thickness.
  6. Flip and baste: Flip the chicken and brush with the reserved garlic butter. Air fry another 6–8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest point.
  7. Rest and garnish: Let the chicken rest 3–5 minutes. Sprinkle with extra parsley and a squeeze of lemon if you like.
  8. Serve: Pair with low-carb sides like sautéed green beans, roasted broccoli, or cauliflower rice to keep it keto-friendly.