If you’re looking for a no-fuss, absolutely delicious way to cook chicken thighs that are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, this Air Fryer Chicken Thighs recipe is exactly what you need! Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping for the week, these chicken thighs come out perfectly crispy with minimal effort—and the best part? You can have them ready in just about 20 minutes!
Below, I’ll guide you through every step to help you achieve flawless air fryer chicken thighs that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
When it comes to making chicken thighs that are flavorful and crispy, a blend of spices paired with the right cooking technique is key. Let’s take a look at the simple yet powerful ingredients you’ll need.
Chicken and Spices Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 to 2 ½ pounds): The skin adds an extra crispy texture, while bone-in ensures juicy meat. You can also use boneless thighs—see my notes below.
- 1 tablespoon paprika : This adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil : Helps the spices stick and also aids in browning.
- ½ tablespoon smoked paprika : A smoky twist that brings a subtle barbecue flavor.
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt : Essential for seasoning and tenderizing the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder : For that garlicky goodness in every bite.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper : Adds just the right amount of heat and robust flavor.
Optional Garnishes
- Lemon wedges : Perfect for adding some brightness with a squeeze of citrus over the crispy thighs.
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro : For a pop of color and fresh, herby flavor.
Essential Tools You’ll Need
Here are a few tools that will help you cook delicious, fuss-free chicken thighs:
- Air Fryer : Any brand or model works, but ensure there’s enough space for the chicken thighs to cook evenly.
- Mixing Bowl : To combine the chicken with the seasoning and olive oil for even coating.
- Tongs : Helpful when flipping the chicken halfway through cooking.
- Instant-read Thermometer : This guarantees your chicken is cooked to the perfect internal temperature without overcooking it.
- Paper Towels : To remove excess moisture from chicken, which helps achieve that crispy finish.
Preparing the Chicken Thighs: Seasoning for Maximum Flavor
Step 1: Pat the Chicken Thighs Dry
Before diving into the seasoning, you need to pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly on both sides with paper towels. Why? Because removing the moisture is key to achieving that crispy, golden-brown skin. The drier the skin, the better it will crisp up when air fried!
Step 2: Prepare the Spice Blend
In a large mixing bowl, combine the seasonings . You’ll be using:
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- ½ tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
This spice mix will give the chicken thighs a balanced flavor with a smoky, slightly spicy kick. Pro Tip : You can play around with flavors here—if you like heat, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper might be right up your alley!
Step 3: Coat the Chicken Thighs
Once the spice mix is ready, add the bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs to the bowl. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over the chicken. Toss everything together until each thigh is fully coated with both the olive oil and the seasoning mix.
Make sure you coat the thighs evenly—this will not only enhance the flavor but also help create that beautifully crisp exterior. You can use your hands or tongs for this step, whichever you find easier.
Now that your chicken thighs are perfectly seasoned and ready, it’s time to get cooking!
Cooking the Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Before placing the chicken in the air fryer, it’s crucial to preheat it to 400°F . This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and crisps up properly. In most air fryers, preheating takes just about 3-5 minutes .
Step 2: Arrange the Chicken Thighs
Once your air fryer is preheated, arrange the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Place them skin-side down to start. Make sure there’s space between the thighs so that air can circulate properly, which helps in even cooking and crispiness.
- Pro Tip : If you’re cooking more than 4 chicken thighs or have a smaller air fryer, avoid overcrowding the basket! Instead, cook in batches to maintain that crispy texture.
Step 3: Air Fry the Thighs
Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook the chicken thighs for 16 to 22 minutes , depending on the size of your thighs and your air fryer model.
- Flip halfway through : After about 8-10 minutes, use your tongs to flip the chicken thighs so the skin side is facing up. This ensures both sides cook evenly, with the skin getting extra crispy.
- Check for Doneness : When you’re nearing the 16-17 minute mark, check the internal temperature of the chicken by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, but don’t touch the bone! The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 155°F .
Step 4: Rest the Chicken Thighs
After cooking, remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and cover them loosely with aluminum foil. Let them rest for 5 minutes . During this time, the temperature will rise to the FDA-recommended 165°F from the residual heat. This resting period ensures maximal juiciness!
And just like that, your perfectly air-fried chicken thighs are ready to serve!
Serving Your Air Fryer Chicken Thighs: Delicious & Ready to Feast
Step 1: Garnish and Plate
To elevate the flavor and presentation of your air-fried chicken thighs, here’s what you can do before you serve:
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken thighs for a burst of acidity that cuts through the richness of the crispy skin.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for an herby touch and a pop of color. Both work perfectly with the flavor profile of this dish and make it look more vibrant on the plate.
Step 2: Pair with Side Dishes
These crispy chicken thighs are incredibly versatile, making them the perfect main dish for any number of sides. Here are a few ideas to complete your meal:
- Roasted Vegetables : Think Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus—roasted until crispy for a wholesome side.
- Mashed Potatoes : Creamy mashed or even garlic mashed potatoes pair perfectly with crispy chicken.
- Simple Salad : A light and refreshing salad with a vinaigrette balances the richness of the chicken.
- Rice or Quinoa : For a heartier meal, serve the chicken over a base of fluffy white rice or protein-packed quinoa.
Step 3: Time to Enjoy!
Serve your beautiful, crispy air fryer chicken thighs hot and fresh. You’ll love how the skin has that perfectly crisp, golden-brown look, while inside the chicken is tender and juicy with every bite. It’s hard to believe something this delicious came out of an air fryer so quickly!
Storing & Reheating Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (though that can be rare with how tasty these are!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
Storing Leftovers
- Refrigerate : Place any leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They should keep well for up to 3 days .
Reheating Leftovers
To maintain that crispy skin when reheating your chicken thighs:
- In the Air Fryer : Reheat your chicken in the preheated air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again.
- In the Oven : For larger portions, preheat the oven to 375°F and bake for 10 minutes , or until heated through.
- Avoid the Microwave : While it’s tempting for convenience, microwaving can make the skin soggy, and we definitely want to avoid that!
Conclusion
And there you have it—the easiest, most delicious and crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs recipe! With its minimal preparation time and simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. These chicken thighs have a crispy, flavorful skin that locks in the juices for a tender, moist bite every time. Paired with your favorite sides, it’s the quintessential comfort meal made even easier with the wonders of the air fryer.
So the next time you’re craving perfectly crispy chicken without the fuss of deep frying, pull out your air fryer and give this recipe a try. Your taste buds (and your kitchen cleanup) will thank you!