If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing dinner that’s juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and brimming with bold flavor, this Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe is about to become a family favorite! In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have perfectly seasoned chicken bursting with smoky paprika and garlic, and a golden skin that crackles with every bite. It’s weeknight magic that tastes like you fussed all day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity—each ingredient brings something essential to create irresistible chicken thighs. Choose good-quality chicken and let dried herbs and spices do the heavy lifting for flavor, color, and that iconic crispy finish.
- Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on): The bone and skin keep the meat moist and deliver unbeatable crispiness and flavor.
- Olive oil: Helps the spices adhere and encourages even browning and a luscious, golden skin.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky depth and vibrant color, turning ordinary chicken into something special.
- Garlic powder: Gives a savory kick that blends perfectly with the other spices for classic comfort-food appeal.
- Onion powder: Lends a mellow sweetness and rounds out the flavor profile.
- Dried thyme: Delivers earthy, herbal notes that play beautifully against the smokiness.
- Salt: Essential for drawing out moisture and seasoning every bite.
- Black pepper: A touch of heat and sharpness to enhance all the other seasonings.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): For those who crave a gentle heat—it’s the secret weapon for spicy fans!
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken thighs dry with paper towels—this is the secret to delightfully crispy skin. In a small bowl, mix up your olive oil and spice blend. Thoroughly rub this flavor-packed mixture all over your chicken thighs, making sure every nook and cranny is coated. This ensures maximum flavor in every bite!
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. This extra step helps the chicken start crisping the second it hits the basket. If you want seriously crunchy skin, give the seasoned thighs a light spritz with oil right before air frying.
Step 3: Arrange Chicken in the Basket
Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd—you want the hot air to circulate for even cooking and that all-over golden crust the Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe is known for.
Step 4: Air Fry to Juicy Perfection
Start by air frying the chicken for 12 minutes. Then flip the thighs skin-side up, and cook for another 10–12 minutes. You’re looking for crackling skin and a safe internal temperature of 165°F. Letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes will lock in all those delicious juices—worth the small wait!
How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe
Garnishes
Bring your dish to life with a scattering of fresh chopped parsley or thyme for color, a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten things up, or a light dusting of smoked paprika for extra flair. These simple touches make the Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe truly eye-catching and fresh.
Side Dishes
This recipe is endlessly versatile—pair your crispy chicken thighs with roasted vegetables, fluffy rice pilaf, or a crisp green salad. For weeknight comfort, mashed potatoes and air-fried green beans also hit all the right notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try piling sliced chicken thighs over grain bowls, tucking them into wraps with crunchy lettuce, or slicing thinly for vibrant salads. The bold flavors of the Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe make it perfect for meal-prep lunches or sharing on party platters with dipping sauces.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, let the chicken cool to room temperature and transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days—the flavors stay bold, and the meat stays juicy.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the cooked chicken thighs tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
For that just-cooked crispness, reheat the chicken in your air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes, or until heated through. Microwave reheating works for convenience, but the air fryer really brings the skin back to life.
FAQs
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs in this Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe?
Absolutely! Simply reduce the cooking time by about 5 minutes, as boneless thighs cook faster. You’ll still get juicy, flavorful results, though the skin-on version is best for achieving extra crispiness.
Do I need to marinate the chicken before air frying?
No marinade needed—thanks to the bold spice rub, you get loads of flavor in every bite in just minutes. If you want, you can let the seasoned chicken sit in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to deepen the flavors, but it’s not essential.
Will the chicken skin get really crispy in the air fryer?
Yes, that’s part of the magic of the Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe! Drying the skin well and not overcrowding the basket are key, as is the optional oil spritz. You’ll be rewarded with irresistibly crispy skin, every single time.
Can I double this recipe for a larger group?
You can absolutely scale up, just make sure not to overcrowd the basket—cook in batches if needed. Overlapping or crowding prevents the skin from crisping up as beautifully.
What seasonings can I swap or add?
Feel free to customize! Try Italian seasoning, lemon pepper, Cajun spice, or even a touch of honey brushed on for a sweet-savory flavor. This Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe is a great base for your favorite spice blends.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a low-effort, high-reward dinner, this Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe delivers every time. You’ll be amazed by the crispy skin, juicy meat, and those bold, comforting flavors. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it on repeat!
Print
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy deliciously crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with this easy recipe. Perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection, these chicken thighs are a fantastic main course option for a quick and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper for heat
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F.
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, pepper, and cayenne if using.
- Season the chicken: Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken thighs, coating both sides evenly.
- Cook the chicken: Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 12 minutes, flip, then cook for another 10–12 minutes or until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispy skin, lightly spritz the thighs with oil before air frying.
- Boneless, skinless thighs can also be used—reduce cooking time by about 5 minutes.
- Serve with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 24 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
