Air Fryer Chicken Thighs (Crispy, Juicy, Fast!) Recipe

Introduction

Air fryer chicken thighs are a quick and easy way to enjoy crispy, juicy chicken with minimal effort. This recipe uses simple seasonings to bring out rich flavors while keeping the thighs tender inside. Perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients

• 2 lb bone-in chicken thighs (or boneless chicken thighs)
• 2 tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil)
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C).
2. Step 2: Place the chicken thighs into a large bowl and pat dry with paper towels. Drizzle with avocado oil and mix to coat evenly.
3. Step 3: Season the chicken with salt, dried thyme, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Toss again to ensure all pieces are well coated.
4. Step 4: Arrange the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not crowded or overlapping. Cook in batches if necessary.
5. Step 5: Air fry bone-in chicken thighs for 15-20 minutes, turning them after 10 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature reaches at least 170 degrees F. For boneless thighs, cook for 12-14 minutes.
6. Step 6: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Tips & Variations

• Use boneless thighs for faster cooking, but bone-in provides more flavor and juiciness.
• Swap smoked paprika for regular paprika or chili powder for a different flavor profile.
• Pat the chicken dry thoroughly before seasoning to achieve extra crispy skin.
• If you don’t have avocado oil, olive oil or any neutral oil works well.

Storage

Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm in the air fryer or oven at 350 degrees F until heated through to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the skin soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken thighs for this recipe?

For best results, thaw the chicken completely before air frying. Cooking from frozen will increase the cooking time and may result in uneven cooking.

How can I tell if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Bone-in thighs should reach 170 degrees F, and boneless thighs should also reach a safe internal temperature of 165-170 degrees F.

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs (Crispy, Juicy, Fast!) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 131 reviews

This recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Thighs delivers crispy, juicy, and flavorful chicken in a fraction of the time it takes to cook conventionally. Using a blend of smoked paprika, thyme, and garlic powder, the chicken gets a perfect golden crust while remaining tender inside. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, these chicken thighs are easy to season, cook, and serve.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 2 lb Bone-in chicken thighs (or boneless chicken thighs)

Seasoning and Oil

• 2 tbsp Avocado oil (or olive oil)
• 1 tsp Sea salt
• 1 tsp Dried thyme
• 1 tsp Smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp Onion powder
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for cooking, which helps to achieve a crispy skin.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs into a large bowl and pat them dry using paper towels. This step is important to remove excess moisture for crispiness. Drizzle the avocado oil over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
3. Season the Chicken: Sprinkle sea salt, dried thyme, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper over the chicken pieces. Mix well to ensure all chicken thighs are thoroughly coated with the seasoning blend.
4. Arrange Chicken in Air Fryer: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are only minimally touching or not touching to allow hot air to circulate evenly. Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
5. Air Fry the Chicken: For bone-in chicken thighs, cook for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping after 10 minutes to promote even cooking. For boneless thighs, air fry for 12 to 14 minutes. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches at least 170°F to ensure doneness and safety.
6. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicy and tender chicken. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket as this can prevent the chicken from crisping properly.
• Patting the chicken dry before applying oil and seasonings helps achieve a crunchy exterior.
• The internal temperature should reach 170°F for bone-in thighs to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
• You can adjust the seasoning blend to your preference by adding other herbs or spices like cayenne for heat or rosemary for aroma.
• Letting the chicken rest after cooking enhances juiciness and flavor.

Keywords: Air Fryer Chicken Thighs, Crispy Chicken Thighs, Juicy Chicken, Quick Dinner, Air Fryer Recipes