Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Name: Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs, (about 2 pounds); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 teaspoons sweet or smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon salt, (or to taste); ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper, (or to taste)

by Katerina

5 from 14 votes

Apr 03, 2022, Updated Jan 11, 2024

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These crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are delicious, quick, and seriously juicy! With plenty of garlic and herbs, our air-fried chicken thighs make for a fantastic meal.

overhead shot of three cooked chicken thighs placed inside a black air fryer basket.

This juicy and crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs recipe combines ease, speed, and flavor, perfect for busy days. This chicken is versatile enough to pair with any side, from soups to salads, and the best part is that it’s super quick, cooking in just about 20 minutes, making it a go-to option for a tasty, hassle-free dinner that everyone will love. The air fryer not only simplifies the cooking process but also makes it quicker, healthier, and more flavorsome.

Why We Love This Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe

Efficient: The air fryer streamlines the cooking process, making it quick and hassle-free, perfect for busy schedules or last-minute meals.
Healthier Cooking Method: Air frying requires less oil than traditional frying methods, resulting in a lighter and less greasy dish without compromising on flavor.
Flavor-packed: The combination of spices like paprika, garlic powder, and herbs ensures that each bite of the chicken bursts with flavor and deliciousness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are super-flavorful and are easy to cook without drying them out.
Oil: Olive oil is my favorite, but you could also use peanut oil, avocado oil, or any other neutral cooking oil that you like.
Herbs, Spices, and Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano and thyme, salt, pepper, and paprika bring out the best in simple baked chicken.

How To Make Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

three raw chicken thighs brushed with a seasoning rub and placed inside a black air fryer basket.

overhead shot of four cooked chicken thighs placed inside a black air fryer basket.

Prep the Chicken. Pat the chicken thighs dry with some clean paper towels.
Season the Chicken. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well, then rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken thighs.
Air-Fry the Chicken Thighs. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin side down. Lightly spritz the chicken with oil, and cook for 8 minutes. Flip the chicken thighs and cook for 8 to 10 more minutes or until done. Chicken is done when its internal temperature registers at 165˚F.
Cool and Serve. Remove the chicken from the air fryer, and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Recipe Tips

Cooking Time: The exact cook time will depend on the size of your chicken thighs, so keep that in mind when cooking and always check for doneness before serving. The easiest and most accurate way to check for doneness is when you use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer deeply into the meat, but do not let it touch the bone, or the temperature won’t be accurate. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can test the chicken for doneness by cutting into the meat and pulling it away from the bone. If the meat comes away from the bone easily, and the juices run clear, the chicken is done.
Crispier Chicken: If you like your chicken crispier, just air-fry for an additional minute or two.
To avoid those extra 100+ calories, remove the skin before consuming, but not before cooking. Keeping the skin on while cooking is probably the best way to preserve flavor and moisture.

cooked and sliced chicken thigh on a white dinner plate, served alongside sugar snap peas, and a fork placed next to the chicken.

What to Serve with Chicken

Crispy chicken is good, but it really shines when you add my favorite salad, which is this Shopska (Macedonian Chopped Salad). This Creamy Asparagus Pasta Recipe is a comforting yet nutritious pasta dish that goes beautifully with chicken. My Garlic Rosemary Mashed Potatoes are excellent with almost anything, but chicken thighs are a perfect companion.

overhead close up shot of cooked chicken thighs placed inside a black air fryer basket.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Place leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
To freeze cooked chicken thighs, take the meat off the bone and pack it into a freezer bag. Press out as much air as possible before sealing, and keep it in the freezer for 3 to 4 months. Thaw before reheating.
To reheat the chicken thighs, just warm them in the oven at 350°F until heated through. You can also take the meat off the bone, and warm it on the stove, in a skillet over low to medium heat.

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5 from 14 votes