Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

If you’ve never tried making chicken thighs in the air fryer, this highly-rated recipe is a must-try. The result is tender, juicy meat on the inside with a perfectly crispy exterior that’s impossible to resist.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Here are the simple, easy-to-find ingredients you'll need to prepare this air fryer chicken thighs recipe:

· Chicken thighs: You'll need four boneless, skin-on chicken thighs.
· Olive oil: Olive oil helps retain moisture and allows the seasonings to stick.
· Spices and seasonings: The chicken thighs are flavored with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

How to Cook Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Once you try making chicken thighs in the air fryer, you'll never want to use the oven again. You'll find the full ingredient list and detailed instructions below, but here’s a quick overview:

How to Cook Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect when making air fryer chicken thighs:

1. Pat the thighs dry and coat them with olive oil.
2. Mix the spices and sprinkle them generously over the thighs.
3. Cook in the preheated air fryer until the skin is golden and the juices run clear.

How Long to Cook Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer

Boneless chicken thighs will be fully cooked after about 18 minutes in an air fryer preheated to 400°F. Be sure to check the internal temperature before serving—an instant-read thermometer should register 165°F at the center.

How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Since your air fryer will be in use, consider pairing the chicken thighs with one of these quick and easy side dishes that you can prepare in the oven or on the stove:

· Roasted Asparagus
· Simple Mashed Potatoes
· Sautéed Green Beans

Browse our full selection of Side Dish Recipes for more ideas.

How to Store Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Keep the cooked chicken thighs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.

To freeze the chicken, allow the thighs to cool, then place them in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Wrap the bag in foil and freeze for up to three months.

Dinogo Community Tips and Praise

"Wow, these were absolutely amazing," says grammyt7204g. "The skin was perfectly crispy, and the meat inside was so juicy and tender. I’ll definitely be making these again!"

"So tasty," says Mary Wilson. "I accidentally forgot the olive oil, but I used canola cooking spray on the skin instead. It still turned out crispy and delicious! I’ll definitely make this again."

"I skipped the black pepper and added a generous amount of lemon pepper," shares Christina M. Miskam. "I’m a huge fan of lemon garlic chicken. This turned out so juicy and flavorful. I also added an extra 3 minutes per side since my chicken thighs were large. Perfection!"

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

Ingredients

• 4 skin-on, boneless chicken thighs

• 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• ¾ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

Prepare all your ingredients and preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

Pat the chicken thighs dry using a paper towel and lightly brush the skin with olive oil. Arrange the chicken thighs, skin-side down, in a single layer on a plate.

Mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Sprinkle half of the seasoning mix evenly over the chicken thighs. Flip the thighs and coat the other side with the remaining seasoning. Place the thighs, skin-side up, in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

Air fry the seasoned thighs until golden brown and the juices run clear, approximately 18 minutes. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C).

Serve and savor the delicious results!

Nutritional Information (per serving)