Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside—these air fryer chicken thighs are the perfect combination of flavor and texture. With minimal ingredients and a quick cooking time, this recipe is a fantastic way to get a delicious meal on the table without the hassle of deep frying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and flavorful: The air fryer delivers a perfectly crisp skin without excess oil.
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple seasonings.
- Healthier than frying: Less oil means a lighter yet still satisfying dish.
- Versatile: Easily customize the seasonings to fit your taste.
- Perfect for meal prep: Stores and reheats well for easy leftovers.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Olive oil
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Optional: Cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for extra flavor
Directions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. This helps achieve a crispy skin.
- Season: In a bowl, mix the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken thighs.
- Air fry: Place the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, skin side up. Cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in the juices.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the seasoning mix.
- Herb-Infused: Sprinkle dried thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist.
- Lemon-Garlic: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken before serving.
- BBQ Style: Brush with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked thighs for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness.
FAQs
How do I get the crispiest skin?
Pat the chicken dry before seasoning, and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, but they will cook faster—check for doneness at 15-18 minutes.
Do I need to flip the chicken?
Yes, flipping halfway through ensures even cooking and crispiness.
Can I cook frozen chicken thighs in the air fryer?
Yes, but add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time and check the internal temperature.
What temperature should chicken thighs be cooked to?
For food safety, cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Can I marinate the chicken beforehand?
Absolutely! Marinate for a few hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
Can I stack chicken thighs in the air fryer?
No, air circulation is key to crispy skin, so cook in a single layer.
What sides pair well with air fryer chicken thighs?
Try mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Can I use other seasonings?
Yes! Customize with Cajun, Italian, or lemon-pepper seasoning.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Avoid overcooking and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Conclusion
Air fryer chicken thighs are an easy, crispy, and flavorful dish that comes together in no time. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight meal or prepping for the week, this recipe is a game-changer. Try different seasonings and enjoy restaurant-quality chicken at home!
PrintExtra Crispy Easy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 22-24 minutes
- Total Time: 27-29 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Description
These air fryer chicken thighs are juicy on the inside and extra crispy on the outside—without deep frying. With just a few simple seasonings and the magic of an air fryer, you’ll have perfectly cooked chicken thighs in under 30 minutes. Why You’ll Love This Recipe: Crispy skin without extra oil Quick and easy – ready in under 30 minutes Perfectly seasoned and juicy inside Great for meal prep or busy weeknights
Ingredients
- :
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- :
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps them crisp up better.
- In a bowl, drizzle olive oil over the chicken thighs. In a separate small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Rub the seasoning mix all over the chicken thighs.
- Place the thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12 minutes. Flip and cook for another 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite sides.
- Timing:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 22-24 minutes
- Total Time: 27-29 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Low-Carb
- Keywords: Air Fryer Chicken Thighs, Crispy Chicken Thighs, Easy Air Fryer Chicken
- Tips &
Notes
- :
- Dry the chicken well before seasoning to get extra crispiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer—cook in batches if needed.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (165°F).
- For boneless thighs, reduce the cooking time to 16-18 minutes.
- Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: ~280
- Protein: ~22g
- Carbohydrates: ~1g
- Fat: ~20g
- Saturated Fat: ~5g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~14g
- Cholesterol: ~95mg
- Sodium: ~500mg
- Fiber: ~0g
- Sugar: ~0g
Nutrition
- Calories: ~280
- Sugar: ~0g
- Sodium: ~500mg
- Fat: ~20g
- Saturated Fat: ~5g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~14g
- Carbohydrates: ~1g
- Fiber: ~0g
- Protein: ~22g
- Cholesterol: ~95mg
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