Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside—Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are a weeknight hero. With bold seasoning and a golden crust, these chicken thighs cook up in under 30 minutes and deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to be on repeat.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Extra Crispy Skin – The air fryer delivers perfect crispness without deep frying.
Super Juicy – Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs stay moist and flavorful.
Fast & Easy – Cooks in 25 minutes or less with easy cleanup.
Budget-Friendly – Chicken thighs are an affordable, flavorful cut.
Endlessly Versatile – Serve with any side or use leftovers for salads, wraps, or bowls.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Thighs:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Optional Garnish & Serving Ideas:

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Lemon wedges
• Hot sauce or BBQ sauce for dipping

Tools You’ll Need

• Air fryer
• Small mixing bowl
• Tongs
• Meat thermometer

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels—this helps the skin crisp up. Place them in a bowl or on a plate.

Step 2: Season Generously
Drizzle the thighs with olive oil. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Rub the seasoning mix all over the chicken, getting under the skin when possible for extra flavor.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3–5 minutes for even cooking and maximum crispness.

Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken
Place the thighs skin-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 380°F (193°C) for 12 minutes.
Flip the thighs skin-side up and continue cooking for another 10–12 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and a meat thermometer reads 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Rest and Serve
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a fresh finish.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Don’t Skip the Preheat – A hot air fryer ensures a crisp exterior from the start.
Dry Thoroughly – Removing moisture helps achieve that golden, crispy skin.
Use a Thermometer – Guarantees perfectly cooked chicken every time.
Cook in a Single Layer – Don’t overcrowd the basket to allow air to circulate.
Customize Seasoning – Add cumin, curry powder, or lemon zest for variety.

Serving Suggestions
Roasted Veggies – Pair with air fryer carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.
Rice or Mashed Potatoes – Perfect to soak up the juicy chicken.
Garden Salad – A fresh, crunchy contrast to the savory chicken.
Cornbread or Biscuits – Add a classic Southern-style touch.
Grain Bowls – Use sliced leftovers in quinoa or rice bowls with avocado and salsa.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate: Store cooled chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

• Air Fryer: Reheat at 360°F for 5–6 minutes to restore crispness.
• Oven: Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, but note the skin won’t stay crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes! They’ll cook faster—around 16–18 minutes total—so keep an eye on them.

2. What if I don’t have skin-on chicken thighs?
You can still make this with skinless thighs, but the outside won’t be as crispy. Add a light breading or breadcrumb topping for extra texture.

3. Do I need to flip the chicken in the air fryer?
Yes, flipping halfway through helps the chicken cook evenly and crisps up both sides.

4. Can I marinate the chicken?
Absolutely! Let the thighs marinate in your favorite mix for up to 12 hours before cooking. Pat dry before air frying for best crispness.

5. What’s the best way to get the skin extra crispy?
Dry the chicken thoroughly and cook at a slightly higher temp during the last 2–3 minutes. You can also spritz the skin with a bit of oil for added crunch.

Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are a flavorful, no-fuss way to enjoy crispy, juicy chicken any night of the week. With bold seasoning and perfectly tender meat, this recipe delivers all the satisfaction of oven-roasted or fried chicken—without the mess.

Give it a try tonight, and don’t forget to leave a comment or photo to show off your crispy creation!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 290 | Protein: 22g | Carbohydrates: 1g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 0g | Sodium: 380mg

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