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