Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs a Juicy and crispy chicken thighs cooked to perfection in the air fryer with a flavorful blend of seasonings. This quick and easy recipe delivers golden-brown, tender chicken with minimal effort, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it gives me the perfect balance of crispy skin and juicy meat without the need for deep frying. The air fryer locks in flavor while cutting down on excess oil, making this a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. Plus, it’s a simple, foolproof recipe that requires just a handful of spices and a few minutes of prep time.

Ingredients

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

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.

Rub the chicken thighs with olive oil, then coat evenly with the seasoning mix.

Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket.

Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12 minutes, then flip the chicken thighs and cook for another 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 24 minutes

Total Time: 29 minutes

Calories: 280 kcal per serving

Variations

Spicy Kick: I add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Herb-Infused: I swap dried oregano for Italian seasoning or thyme for a different flavor profile.

Lemon-Garlic: I squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken before serving for a zesty finish.

BBQ Glaze: I brush the chicken with BBQ sauce in the last 5 minutes of cooking for a smoky, sweet flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: I store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing: I freeze cooked chicken in a sealed container for up to 3 months.

Reheating: I reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until warmed through, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

How do I get the crispiest skin on air fryer chicken thighs?

Patting the chicken dry before seasoning and cooking skin-side down first helps achieve a crispier texture.

Can I use boneless chicken thighs?

Yes, but I reduce the cooking time to about 16-18 minutes since boneless thighs cook faster.

What if my air fryer is small?

I cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding, ensuring even crispiness.

Do I need to flip the chicken thighs?

Yes, flipping halfway through cooking helps cook them evenly and crisp up both sides.

Can I marinate the chicken in advance?

Absolutely! I marinate the thighs for up to 24 hours for extra flavor, but it’s not necessary for a delicious result.

Conclusion

Air fryer chicken thighs are a quick, easy, and flavorful meal that requires minimal effort. With crispy skin, juicy meat, and a perfect seasoning blend, this dish is great for busy nights or meal prepping. Try different variations to switch up the flavors, and enjoy a satisfying meal in under 30 minutes.