Hey y'all! If you're craving irresistibly crispy, juicy chicken without the mess or extra calories of deep frying, you're in the right place. The Best Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are a game-changer for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even meal prepping. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this recipe always gets rave reviews from friends and family. So grab your air fryer and some chicken thighs—let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Best Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Super crispy skin and tender meat every single time.
- Ready in just 25 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.
- Uses simple pantry ingredients you probably already have.
- Healthier than deep-fried chicken but with all the flavor and crunch.
- Easy to customize with your favorite herbs and spices.
Ingredients for The Best Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
How to Make The Best Air Fryer Chicken Thighs: Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This is key for crispy skin! Place the thighs in a large bowl.
Step 2: Season the Chicken Thighs
Drizzle olive oil over the chicken, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and dried thyme. Toss well so each thigh is evenly coated in seasoning.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes. This helps the skin get seriously crispy from the start.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken Thighs
Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. Air fry for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for another 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crisp.
Step 5: Rest & Serve
Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes before serving, so the juices redistribute and every bite is succulent!
Notes & Tips for The Best Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Patting the chicken dry ensures maximum crispiness—don't skip this step!
- Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness; learn more about safe chicken cooking temperatures.
- If your air fryer basket is small, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding and achieve even crisping.
Variations on The Best Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Spicy Cajun Thighs: Swap paprika and thyme for 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning.
- Herb Garlic Thighs: Use Italian seasoning instead of paprika and thyme, and add 1 teaspoon dried basil.
- Lemon Pepper Thighs: Mix in 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1 teaspoon lemon zest with the oil for a zesty twist.
Equipment Needed for The Best Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Air fryer (at least 4-quart capacity)
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer
- Mixing bowl
- Paper towels
How to Store The Best Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Let any leftovers cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes until hot and crispy again. For longer storage, freeze cooked thighs for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Serving Suggestions for The Best Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Pair with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted veggies for a comforting meal.
- Slice and serve atop a fresh garden salad for a lighter option.
- Add to wraps, sandwiches, or grain bowls for easy lunches.
Pro Tips for The Best Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- For extra crispy skin, brush thighs with a light layer of oil before air frying (here's why that matters).
- Let thighs come to room temperature for 15 minutes before air frying for even cooking.
- Always flip chicken halfway through to ensure both sides get golden and crunchy.
FAQ: The Best Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs?
- Absolutely! Reduce the cooking time to 14-16 minutes total. The results are still juicy and flavorful, though the skin won't be as crispy.
- Can I stack chicken thighs in the air fryer?
- It's best not to stack—crowding prevents the air from circulating, so the skin won't get crisp. Cook in batches if needed for the best results.
- Is air fried chicken healthier?
- Yes! Air frying uses much less oil than traditional frying, reducing fat and calories while keeping all the flavor (learn more).
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20-22 minutes
Total time: 25-27 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
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. Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and onion powder. Toss to coat evenly.
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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, then 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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6Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
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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