Jamie Oliver-Style Air Fryer Chicken Thighs: Crispy, Easy, and Full of Flavour
Jamie Oliver’s cooking is all about bold flavour, simplicity, and rustic charm — and this air fryer chicken thigh recipe channels just that. Crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and bursting with herby goodness.
Prep Time
10m
Total Time
30m
Cook
20m
Yield
3–4 servings
Comfort Food
British
What You’ll Need for Jamie Oliver-Style Chicken Thighs
Simple, hearty ingredients for rustic flavour
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp garlic granules
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp sea salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp lemon zest
Optional Additions
Splash of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice before serving
Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Pinch of chilli flakes for subtle heat
Jamie-Style Ingredient Swap
Swap thyme for rosemary or use a herb mix — Jamie’s cooking is all about flexibility and bold flavour.
How to Make Jamie Oliver-Style Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Flavour-packed and fuss-free chicken, made the Jamie Oliver way.
Pat chicken thighs dry and place in a bowl.
Add olive oil, herbs, garlic granules, paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Toss to coat evenly.
Preheat air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for 3 minutes.
Place chicken skin-side up in air fryer basket.
Air fry for 18–20 minutes until golden and crisp, or until internal temp hits 75°C (165°F).
Rest 2–3 minutes before serving.
Rustic Cooking Tips
Don’t skip the lemon zest — it lifts the whole dish.
Use a mix of herbs or whatever’s in your cupboard.
Let the chicken rest before serving to keep it juicy.
On top of herby couscous or quinoa with lemon dressing
Chopped into wraps with yogurt and mint
As part of a rustic platter with olives and hummus
Final Thoughts on Jamie Oliver-Style Air Fryer Chicken
This air fryer chicken thigh recipe delivers the rustic, bold flavour you'd expect from a Jamie Oliver-style dish — without any frying fuss. It's quick to make, uses simple ingredients, and offers crisp skin with juicy, herby meat in every bite. You can make this with bone-in or boneless thighs, adjust the herbs to your taste, and even pair it with whatever you’ve got in the fridge. Perfect for meal prep or a casual weekend dinner. If you’re new to air frying, this is a great one to start with — reliable, flexible, and delicious. Bookmark this recipe and experiment with your own twist next time!