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British comfort food
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Emma Lawson | 
29.05.2025

Jamie Oliver-Style Air Fryer Chicken Thighs – Crispy & Easy

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
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Comfort Food
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Chicken

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.

  1. Pat chicken thighs dry and place in a bowl.
  2. Add olive oil, herbs, garlic granules, paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Toss to coat evenly.
  3. Preheat air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for 3 minutes.
  4. Place chicken skin-side up in air fryer basket.
  5. Air fry for 18–20 minutes until golden and crisp, or until internal temp hits 75°C (165°F).
  6. 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.

Jamie Oliver Style Chicken Thighs Nutrition

Calories: 320 | Protein: 28g | Carbs: 2g | Fat: 22g

How to Serve Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Chicken

  • With roasted veg or potatoes and a green salad
  • 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!

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Jamie Oliver Style Air Fryer Chicken FAQs

Can I use boneless thighs in this recipe?

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Yes, but reduce the cooking time by 3–5 minutes depending on thickness. Bone-in gives better flavour, but boneless is quicker.
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What herbs work best for this dish?

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Jamie often uses thyme, rosemary, or parsley. You can use any mix of dried or fresh herbs you love.
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Do I need to marinate the chicken?

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It’s optional, but a quick rub with olive oil, garlic, and herbs before cooking really helps build flavour.
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How do I get super crispy skin?

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Pat the skin dry with kitchen roll, and lightly spray with oil. Cooking skin-side up the whole time helps crisp it up beautifully.
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