Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
These Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are irresistibly crispy, juicy and packed with flavor! They’re a family friendly dinner that’s extremely versatile and it’s ready in about 20 minutes!
Chicken thighs are my favorite cut of chicken because the skin gets so crispy and the chicken is so juicy!
My grilled chicken thighs are one of my go-to recipes during the summer months, and sheet pan chicken thighs are an easy one pot dinner that’s great any time of year.
These Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are even simpler to make. This recipe doesn’t require preheating like the grill or oven, and it cooks food faster due to a high powered fan that circulates hot air around the food.
This hot air circulation also reduces moisture, which equates to crispy skin that makes this chicken completely irresistible.
My air fryer chicken wings and air fryer chicken drumsticks are more proof of the crisp, juicy goodness that this appliance produces.
If that’s not all, clean up is also a breeze. Once you try this recipe, you may never want to cook chicken thighs any other way again. 🙂
See my collection of easy air fryer recipes for more inspiration!
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Air fryer bone-in chicken thighs are unbelievably crisp and juicy, and seasoned with a simple spice blend.
- There’s no preheating necessary, and they cook up in about 15 minutes.
- This recipe is so customizable! Change it up with blackened seasoning, za’atar spice or your favorite store bought seasoning or marinade.
Recipe ingredients
- Chicken thighs. You’ll need (4) chicken thighs for this recipe. I prefer to use bone-in, skin on chicken thighs for the crispy skin and added flavor. If you prefer skinless boneless chicken thighs, they will cook much more quickly, so check for doneness after about 10 minutes.
- Olive oil. Using oil is optional, but it helps the seasoning adhere to the chicken thighs and it promotes browning as well.
- Herbs and seasoning. This air fryer chicken thighs recipe includes a simple seasoning blend of smoked paprika, thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper. You can change things up with your favorite spice blend!
See the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and quantities.
How to cook chicken thighs in the air fryer
Making chicken thighs in the air fryer is incredibly easy, and they cook up even faster than in the conventional oven or on the grill.
They take just 5 minutes to prep and they’re ready in about 20 minutes from start to finish.
Pro tip: Use chicken thighs that are roughly the same size to ensure that they cook evenly. Cooking time will vary based on the size of your chicken thighs.
See the recipe card below for full instructions.
- Combine the smoked paprika, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper in a small bowl.
- Blot the chicken thighs dry and trim off any excess skin.
- Brush both sides of the chicken thighs with olive oil.
- Season both sides of the chicken thighs evenly with the spice blend.
- Place the chicken thighs skin side down and cook at 375 degrees for 7 minutes.
- Flip and continue cooking for 8 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken thigh without touching bone registers 165 degrees.
Recipe FAQs
It’s a good idea to brush a bit of oil on both sides of the chicken thighs after they’ve been patted dry as it helps the spice mixture adhere better, and it helps crisp the skin as well.
It’s best to flip the chicken thighs when cooking them in the air fryer to ensure even cooking and crispness on both sides.
Cook the chicken thighs skin side down first, then flip and finish cooking them skin side up for extra crispy skin.
Medium sized bone-in chicken thighs will take about 15-18 minutes to cook at a temperature of 375 degrees in the air fryer. Larger sized thighs will take about 20-22 minutes.
All air fryer temperatures vary, so begin checking for doneness on the early side to avoid overcooking.
Chicken thighs should be cooked to a temperature of 165 degrees. To check for doneness, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh without touching bone.
Serving suggestions
There’s no wrong answer to all the ways that this air fryer chicken thighs recipe can be served. See some ideas below.
- Serve them with a simple side of spring mix salad or a satisfying Mediterranean chopped salad.
- They make a quick and easy weeknight dinner served with almond rice pilaf or stove top mac and cheese.
- They’re perfect for Sunday dinner with mashed sweet potatoes and oven roasted asparagus.
- Change them up with my bbq chicken rub and serve with a creamy side of classic coleslaw and buttery skillet cornbread.
Recipe notes
- Pro tip: Use chicken thighs that are roughly the same size to ensure that they cook evenly. Cooking time will vary based on the size of your chicken thighs.
- Change up the seasoning with my blackened seasoning, za’atar spice, or your favorite store bought blends.
- If you prefer skinless boneless chicken thighs, they will cook much more quickly, so check for doneness after about 10 minutes.
- Store leftover chicken thighs in the refrigerator for up 3 days.
More air fryer recipes you’ll love
Did you try this recipe? If so, be sure to leave a review below and tag me @flavorthemoments on Facebook and Instagram
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs bone in, skin on
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme sub with your favorite herbs
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt add more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel and trim off any excess skin. Brush both sides of the chicken thighs with the olive oil.4 chicken thighs, 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Combine the smoked paprika, thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a small bowl until combined.1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs, then place them skin side down in an even layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 375 degrees for 7 minutes, then flip and continue cooking until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken thighs without touching the bone registers 165 degrees, or about 8 minutes longer depending on size.
- Remove from heat, cover loosely with foil and allow to rest for about 5 minutes. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Pro tip: Use chicken thighs that are roughly the same size to ensure that they cook evenly. Cooking time will vary based on the size of your chicken thighs.
- Change up the seasoning with my blackened seasoning, za’atar spice, or your favorite store bought blends.
- If you prefer skinless boneless chicken thighs, they will cook much more quickly, so check for doneness after about 10 minutes.
- Store leftover chicken thighs in the refrigerator for up 3 days.
Nutrition
Nutrition is estimated using a food database and is only intended to be used as a guideline for informational purposes.
