Hey y'all! If you love irresistibly crispy chicken with juicy, flavorful meat, these Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are about to become your new obsession. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or a laid-back weekend dinner, this foolproof recipe creates golden brown, crunchy skin and tender, seasoned chicken in under 30 minutes. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This
- Super Crispy Skin: The air fryer delivers impossibly crunchy skin without using a ton of oil.
- Quick & Convenient: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep and easy cleanup.
- Packed with Flavor: Simple spices create bold, savory flavors in every bite.
- Versatile: Great for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or serving a crowd.
- Healthier Option: Less oil means a lighter, better-for-you meal without sacrificing taste.
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 garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
Directions
Prep the Chicken
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels—this helps the skin get extra crispy.
- Brush chicken thighs on all sides with olive oil.
Season the Chicken
- In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and thyme.
- Rub the seasoning mix generously all over the chicken, making sure to get under the skin where possible.
Air Fry the Chicken
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Place the chicken thighs, skin side down, in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd; work in batches if needed.
- Air fry for 12 minutes, then flip the chicken so the skin side is up.
- Continue air frying for another 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy.
Rest and Serve
- Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to keep the juices locked in.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, avoid overlapping chicken pieces in the air fryer basket.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—overcooking can dry out the thighs.
- If your thighs are larger, add 2-4 minutes to the air frying time.
Variations
- Spicy: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a kick.
- Lemon Herb: Swap smoked paprika for lemon zest and add 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
- BBQ Style: Brush chicken with BBQ sauce during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
Required Equipment
- Air fryer (basket style or oven style)
- Tongs
- Small mixing bowl
- Basting brush (optional)
- Meat thermometer
- Paper towels
Storage Instructions
- Store leftover air fryer chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to re-crisp the skin.
Suggested Pairings / Serving Recommendations
- Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a bright side salad for a balanced meal.
- Great with corn on the cob, baked sweet potatoes, or coleslaw for a classic comfort dinner.
- Try drizzling with hot honey or serving with a garlic yogurt sauce for extra flavor.
Pro Tips
- Let the chicken come to room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking for even results.
- Patting the chicken completely dry is crucial for achieving the crispiest skin possible.
- If your air fryer basket has a rack, use it to elevate the chicken and allow for maximum airflow.
FAQ
Can I use boneless skinless chicken thighs?
Yes, but reduce cooking time by 3-5 minutes and note that skinless thighs won’t be as crispy.
Do I need to marinate the chicken?
No marinade is needed—these bold spices and the air fryer method ensure juicy, flavorful thighs.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Air fry in batches to avoid crowding and maintain skin crispiness.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 24 minutes
Total Time: 29 minutes
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 garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
-
1Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels—this helps the skin get extra crispy.
-
2Brush chicken thighs on all sides with olive oil.
-
3In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and thyme.
-
4Rub the seasoning mix generously all over the chicken, making sure to get under the skin where possible.
-
5Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
-
6Place the chicken thighs, skin side down, in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd; work in batches if needed.
-
7Air fry for 12 minutes, then flip the chicken so the skin side is up.
-
8Continue air frying for another 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy.
-
9Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to keep the juices locked in.
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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