Hey y'all! If you're craving juicy, crispy, and downright irresistible chicken, these Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are about to become your new go-to recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even casual gatherings, this dish delivers mouthwatering flavor and satisfying crunch without all the oil. Plus, with minimal prep and fuss, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Quick & Convenient: Ready in under 30 minutes, making dinner a breeze.
- Healthier Option: Uses minimal oil for crispy skin and juicy meat.
- Flavorful & Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite seasonings.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike!
- Easy Clean-up: The air fryer keeps mess to a minimum.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
Directions: How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Step 1: Prep the Chicken Thighs
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This ensures maximum crispiness! Place them in a large bowl.
Step 2: Season Generously
Drizzle the thighs with olive oil. In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the chicken, rubbing it in to coat each piece thoroughly.
Step 3: Arrange in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer, skin-side up, in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding for best results.
Step 4: Cook to Perfection
Air fry for 16–18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the skin is golden and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) (source). Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes & Helpful Tips for Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Patting the chicken dry helps the skin crisp up beautifully.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the spices for up to 4 hours ahead of time.
- Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer (learn more).
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Variations
- Lemon-Herb: Add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and 1 teaspoon lemon zest to the marinade.
- Spicy BBQ: Brush thighs with your favorite BBQ sauce and add a pinch of cayenne before air frying.
- Asian-Inspired: Replace olive oil with sesame oil and add 1 tablespoon soy sauce and a sprinkle of ginger powder.
Equipment Needed for Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Air fryer (basket or tray style)
- Meat thermometer
- Mixing bowls
- Paper towels
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Storage Instructions
Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes to restore crispiness. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months and reheat directly from frozen.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Serve with roasted veggies or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- Pair with creamy mashed potatoes or air fryer sweet potato fries.
- Enjoy with tangy coleslaw or a side of corn on the cob.
Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Let the chicken rest before serving for juicier results.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—work in batches if needed.
- Experiment with different spice blends for new flavor twists (see ideas).
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs FAQ
- Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs?
- Yes—reduce the cooking time to 12–14 minutes, checking for an internal temp of 165°F.
- Do I need to flip the chicken during cooking?
- Flipping halfway through ensures even cooking and crispiness on all sides.
- Can I double this recipe?
- Absolutely! Just cook in batches to avoid overcrowding for best texture and flavor.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 23 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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1Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
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2Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Place them in a large bowl.
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3Drizzle olive oil over the chicken thighs. Sprinkle with garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasoning evenly onto the chicken.
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4Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, skin side down.
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5Air fry for 10 minutes. Flip the chicken thighs and cook for another 10 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
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6Remove from the air fryer and let rest for 3 minutes before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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