Name: Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp dried thyme; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper

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Short description

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are juicy on the inside and perfectly crispy on the outside, with minimal oil and maximum flavor. This quick and easy recipe makes a delicious main dish in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is fast, foolproof, and packed with flavor. The air fryer crisps up the chicken skin beautifully while keeping the meat tender and juicy. You can season it with just about anything, making it versatile enough for countless dinners. It’s healthier than deep frying, requires little cleanup, and works with bone-in or boneless thighs.

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper

Directions

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness.
In a small bowl, mix olive oil with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken thighs.
Place chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, skin side down if using bone-in.
Cook for 10 minutes, flip, and cook for another 10–12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20–25 minutes
Total time: about 30 minutes

Variations

Spicy: Add cayenne pepper, chili powder, or hot paprika.
Lemon herb: Season with lemon juice, zest, and fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary.
BBQ style: Brush with barbecue sauce in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Asian-inspired: Use soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil in the marinade.
Boneless thighs: Reduce cooking time by about 3–4 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze cooked thighs for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 4–5 minutes to restore crispiness, or microwave for 1–2 minutes if in a hurry.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs in this recipe?

Yes, just reduce the cooking time by a few minutes since boneless thighs cook faster.

Do I need to marinate the chicken?

No, a quick seasoning works fine, but marinating overnight will deepen the flavor.

What temperature should chicken thighs be cooked to?

They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe eating.

How do I get the skin extra crispy?

Pat the chicken dry, don’t overcrowd the basket, and cook at 400°F (200°C).

Can I stack chicken thighs in the air fryer?

No, they should be in a single layer to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

How long do chicken thighs take in the air fryer?

About 20–25 minutes for bone-in, and 15–20 minutes for boneless.

Can I use frozen chicken thighs?

Yes, but cooking time will increase by about 5–7 minutes. It’s best to thaw for even cooking.

What sides go well with air fryer chicken thighs?

Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice, salad, or cornbread pair beautifully.

Do I need to flip the chicken?

Yes, flipping halfway through ensures both sides cook evenly.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, cook ahead and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer to keep them crispy.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are the perfect balance of crispy skin and juicy meat, made with simple seasonings and ready in under 30 minutes. With endless flavor variations and easy prep, they’re a versatile recipe that works for both weeknight dinners and meal prepping. Once you try them, they’ll quickly become a go-to favorite.