Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor, these Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are a quick and delicious way to enjoy perfectly seasoned chicken without the hassle of deep frying. This easy recipe uses bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and crispiness, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option!

Ingredients

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the Air Fryer

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

2. Prepare the Seasoning

In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create an even spice blend.

3. Prep the Chicken Thighs

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This ensures the skin gets crispy during cooking.
  2. Rub the chicken thighs with olive oil, coating them evenly on all sides.
  3. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken thighs, rubbing it into the skin for maximum flavor.

4. Air Fry the Chicken Thighs

  1. Place the chicken thighs skin side down in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are arranged in a single layer without touching to allow for even cooking.
  2. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes.
  3. Flip the chicken thighs and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy and golden brown.

5. Rest and Serve

  1. Remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for 3-5 minutes to retain their juices.
  2. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Best Results

  • Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked, check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Adjust Cook Time for Size: Larger or smaller chicken thighs may require slight adjustments in cooking time.
  • Crispier Skin: For extra-crispy skin, spray the thighs lightly with cooking oil before air frying.
  • Flavor Variations: Experiment with different spices like smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning to customize the flavor.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh

  • Calories: 250
  • Protein: 20g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 1g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are an effortless way to enjoy crispy, golden-brown chicken that’s still juicy on the inside. Perfect for pairing with roasted veggies, a fresh salad, or mashed cauliflower for a satisfying, low-carb meal.