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These air fryer cilantro lime chicken thighs cook at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes with garlic, chili powder, cumin, fresh lime, and cilantro. Bone-in, skin-on thighs stay juicy while the circulating heat browns the outside.

The spice mixture goes both over and underneath the skin so the meat itself gets seasoned. Lime juice adds brightness, while fresh cilantro goes on after cooking so its flavor stays fresh.

If chicken is a regular part of your air-fryer rotation, try the keto air fryer fried chicken next, or browse these keto air fryer recipes.

Cooking chicken in your air fryer allows it to cook more quickly than your oven, and get a better crisp on the outside while staying nice and juicy on the inside.

Is chicken thigh good for keto?

Chicken thighs are one of the least expensive cuts of chicken. They're fattier than chicken breasts, and often come with bones and skin still intact.

If you're following a keto diet, or a low carb high fat diet, chicken thighs are an excellent, budget-friendly go-to purchase!

By comparison, 3.5 ounces of raw, boneless skinless chicken breast has about 2.6 grams of fat while the same amount of bone-in, skin-on chicken thigh has a whopping 15.3 grams of fat. (source: National Chicken Council)

Ingredients for air fryer cilantro lime chicken thighs

The ingredients are so simple! All you'll need are:

• Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: The skin protects the meat and browns in the circulating heat.
• Garlic powder, chili powder, and cumin: These form the warm, savory seasoning blend.
• Salt and black pepper: Season both the skin and the meat underneath it.
• Fresh lime: The card lists two limes. Use about 1 tablespoon of juice for cooking and reserve the remaining fruit for serving.
• Fresh cilantro: Add it after cooking for the brightest flavor.

If you don't have actual limes, you can substitute in lime juice. I prefer using fresh limes, but you still get the tasty flavor both ways!

Nutrition Info

This recipe serves 4, so it easily breaks down to one chicken thigh per serving. For one chicken thigh you're looking at:

Calories: 222.5
Total Carbs: 2.21g
Fiber: 0.837g
Net Carbs: 1.37g
Protein: 17.8g
Fat: 15.6g

How to make cilantro lime chicken thighs in the air fryer

1. Mix the garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
2. Season the thighs over and underneath the skin, then squeeze about 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice over them.
3. Arrange the thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer with room around each piece.
4. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes. Check the thickest part without touching the bone and continue cooking if needed until every thigh reaches at least 165°F (74°C).
5. Finish with fresh cilantro and additional lime before serving.

Tips for crisp skin and juicy chicken

• Pat the thighs dry first. Surface moisture slows browning.
• Season underneath the skin. This gives the meat flavor instead of seasoning only the outside.
• Use the lime juice called for. Excess liquid can make the skin softer and create steam in the basket.
• Do not crowd the basket. Air needs to move around each thigh. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Trust the thermometer. Bone-in thighs vary in size, so 25 minutes is a starting point rather than a guarantee.

If the chicken is cooked but the skin still looks pale or soft, use the air-fryer crispness troubleshooting guide to check moisture, crowding, and airflow.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs?

This recipe’s 25-minute timing was written for bone-in, skin-on thighs. Boneless thighs cook differently, so begin checking much earlier and use 165°F (74°C) as the safety endpoint.

Can I use bottled lime juice?

Yes. Use about 1 tablespoon in place of the juice from half a lime. Fresh lime also gives you slices for serving.

Why is the chicken skin not crispy?

The thighs may have been wet, crowded, or coated with too much lime juice. Pat them dry, use only the listed amount of juice, and leave room for air to circulate.

How should I reheat leftovers?

Refrigerate leftovers promptly in a covered container. Reheat them in the air fryer with space around each piece, check early so the skin does not burn, and take the center back to 165°F (74°C).