This easy recipe makes incredible Chili Lime Chicken in the air fryer! These chicken thighs are crispy, juicy, and flavorful.
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Why You’ll Love Chili Lime Chicken
- Crispy + juicy + flavorful = perfect chicken thighs, and that’s what this recipe will give you!
- The seasoning can be used on any cut of chicken. Chicken thighs are really the MVP of chicken because they’re so tasty and forgiving, but if you’d prefer to use another cut of chicken (like chicken breasts), you can use this recipe’s seasoning on your cut of choice.
- It’s conveniently made in the air fryer. The air fryer is hands down the best way to make chicken thighs, especially if you preheat the air fryer like I suggest in the recipe. It makes for a truly unforgettable end result that will have you craving seconds (or maybe even thirds).
Ingredients Needed to Make This Chili and Lime Chicken Recipe
Ingredient quantities for this chicken thighs recipe are located in the recipe card at the end of the post.
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Olive oil
- Chili powder
- Paprika
- Cumin
- Cayenne
- Baking powder
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- Lime juice (fresh)
Tips for Making Chili and Lime Chicken {Quick Overview}
Below you will find a few tips for making the recipe. For the recipe in detail, including exact measurements used at each step, scroll to the recipe card at the end of the post.
🟢 Tip 1: Don’t skip the preheating! It really helps make your thighs super crispy on the outside.
🟢 Tip 2: Make sure you also let the thighs rest at the end to lock in the juiciness.
🟢 Tip 3: Try cooking the thighs to a slightly higher internal temperature than 165°F. They’re safe at 165°F, but I love them between 185°F and 195°F. At that range, the collagen turns to gelatin, making the chicken even juicier!
🟢 Tip 4: If you’re cooking for a large family or serving these to a crowd, think about doubling or tripling the recipe. These chicken thighs disappear super fast!
🟢 Tip 5: Go ahead and add as much lime juice as you like! Just be sure to use fresh-squeezed lime juice for the best taste. (FYI, fresh lime juice contains about 1.2g net carbs per tablespoon.)
Enjoy!
More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes
- Imagine the aroma of perfectly cooked chicken filling your kitchen—this irresistible chicken thighs in the air fryer recipe is one you’ll want to recreate again and again! 🍗
- Game day just got better! Elevate your snacks with crispy chicken wings in the air fryer, the perfect companion for cheering on your team. 🎉
- Treat yourself to a truly delicious experience with these mouthwatering drumsticks in the air fryer. Trust me, your tastebuds will thank you! 😋
- Enjoy this super popular garlic and parmesan chicken recipe that will satisfy many of your Italian cravings!
Nutrition Facts for This Easy Chili Lime Chicken Recipe 💚
Per serving (4 total servings):
- 389 calories
- 31g fat
- 24g protein
- 2g net carbs
Healthy Sides That Pair Well With Air Fryer Chicken
- Check out this bacon and green beans recipe. It’s a smoky-sweet combo that tastes amazing!
- Pair keto broccoli salad with crispy chicken for a sweet flavor and crunchy texture blend.
- You’ll love making these oven-roasted vegetables—they’re super easy and always a hit!
- Dive into the Italian antipasto salad for a sweet and savory treat.
- Try making a zucchini casserole—it’s fun and the whole family will love it!
- The cauliflower mac and cheese is creamy and delicious!
- Whether you go for keto garlic bread or quick & easy keto garlic bread, it pairs perfectly with crispy chicken.
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Chili Lime Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp cayenne
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 1 tsp baking powder
- fresh lime juice
Instructions
- If your air fryer has a preheat feature, set it to 400°F. (If not, simply turn it on to 400°F and let it run for 4-5 minutes before proceeding to Step 5.)
- In a small bowl, combine chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, cayenne, pepper, garlic powder, lime zest, and baking powder.
- Use a paper towel to pat the chicken thighs dry. Then, coat both sides evenly with olive oil. Place them in a bowl or on a plate.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over both sides of the chicken thighs and rub it in evenly.
- Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes.
- Using tongs, flip the chicken and continue cooking for an additional 6-10 minutes until the exterior is crispy and golden brown.
- Lower the air fryer temperature to 375°F. Squeeze lime juice over the chicken to taste and cook for 2 minutes. Then, turn the chicken over, add lime juice to the other side, and cook for an extra 2 minutes.
- Check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer; it should reach at least 165°F. (Note that some people – myself included – prefer the taste of chicken thighs cooked to between 185°F and 195°F.)
- Let the chicken thighs rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period helps to retain the juices and keep the chicken tender. Enjoy!
Notes
- The nutrition facts include 1 1/2 tbsp lime juice. Each tbsp of lime juice contains about 1.2g net carbs.
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutrition facts are included as a courtesy only. They are accurate to the best of our knowledge based on the ingredients and brands used, but their accuracy is not guaranteed. If applicable, sugar alcohols have already been removed from the total carb count.
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