Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe

Introduction

Air fryer chicken thighs are a delicious, juicy, and crispy meal that’s quick and easy to prepare. Using simple spices and the air fryer ensures perfectly cooked chicken with minimal effort. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon white pepper
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. In a bowl, combine white pepper, kosher salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
2. Step 2: Coat one side of each chicken thigh with olive oil, then rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the oiled side.
3. Step 3: Flip the chicken thighs and coat the other side with the remaining olive oil and rub the seasoning mixture evenly on that side as well.
4. Step 4: Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
5. Step 5: Place the chicken thighs in the basket with the skin side up and cook for 15 minutes.
6. Step 6: Flip the chicken thighs so the skin side is down, then cook for an additional 3-4 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7. Step 7: Remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispy skin, pat the chicken dry with paper towels before applying the olive oil and seasonings.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
• Try swapping olive oil for melted butter for a richer flavor.
• Use boneless chicken thighs if you prefer, but adjust the cooking time to about 12 minutes total.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to retain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the skin soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken thighs for this recipe?

It’s best to thaw chicken thighs completely before cooking in the air fryer to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone.

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 128 reviews

This Air Fryer Chicken Thighs recipe delivers crispy, juicy chicken with a perfectly seasoned, golden skin. Using an air fryer ensures a healthier alternative to traditional frying while locking in flavor and moisture. The combination of paprika, garlic, onion powder, and pepper creates a savory, smoky seasoning that complements the rich chicken thighs. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Seasonings and Oil

• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon white pepper
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F and allow it to preheat to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.
2. Prepare Seasonings: In a bowl, combine white pepper, kosher salt, ground paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground black pepper thoroughly to create a well-balanced seasoning mix.
3. Season One Side of Chicken Thighs: Coat one side of each chicken thigh with olive oil, then rub the seasoning mix evenly over this side, ensuring full coverage for flavor infusion.
4. Season the Other Side: Flip the chicken thighs over and repeat the process by brushing the other side with the remaining olive oil followed by the seasoning, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed on both sides.
5. Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
6. Cook Chicken Skin-Side Up: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the basket, skin side facing up, and cook for 15 minutes. This will help render the fat and crisp the skin nicely.
7. Flip and Finish Cooking: Carefully flip the chicken thighs skin side down and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, confirming the chicken is safely cooked through.
8. Serve: Remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and serve immediately while the skin is crispy and the meat juicy for the best flavor experience.

Notes

• Using bone-in, skin-on thighs ensures juiciness and flavor; boneless or skinless will have different cooking times and textures.
• Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
• You can customize the seasoning blend by adding smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
• Rest the chicken for 3-5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute.
• If your air fryer basket requires shaking or rearranging, do so carefully to maintain even cooking.

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken thighs, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, healthy chicken, seasoned chicken thighs