Ditch the oven and say hello to juicy, flavorful Air Fryer Chicken Thighs!
With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you'll have a delicious and healthy meal on the table in no time that will have everyone asking for seconds.
It's also a budget-friendly recipe that's guaranteed to become a staple in your weekly meal rotation!
Hungry for more? Explore our other delicious air fryer recipes and discover even more ways to use your air fryer.
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This recipe will revolutionize your weeknight cooking, delivering perfectly cooked chicken with crispy skin in a fraction of the time.
Get ready to experience the magic of air frying with this simple and satisfying dish.
Looking for more Chicken Air Fryer Recipes? Try my Chicken Skewers, BBQ Chicken Wrapped in Bacon, and even my Chicken and Potatoes cooked in foil packets. Yum!
Table of Contents
- Unlocking Air Fryer Magic: Your Guide to Crispy Chicken Thighs
- New to Air Frying?
- 🛒Helpful Kitchen Tools
- Main Ingredients Needed
- Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Kitchen Tool Spotlight
- Air Fryer Instructions
- Before you Begin!
- Recipe FAQ's
- Storage and Reheating Instructions
- More Recipes You'll Love!
- 📖 Recipe Card
- 💬 Comments
Unlocking Air Fryer Magic: Your Guide to Crispy Chicken Thighs
Pat it Dry: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Before seasoning or adding oil, thoroughly pat your chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
Don't Overcrowd: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Proper air circulation is key to achieving crispy skin. Cook in batches if needed.
Don't Forget the Oil: A light coating of oil enhances the browning and crispiness of the chicken. Olive oil and avocado oil are great choices, but even cooking spray will do the trick!
Flip for Even Browning: Flip the chicken thighs halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning and crispiness on both sides.
Let it Rest: Allow the chicken thighs to rest for a few minutes after cooking before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender meat.
New to Air Frying?
If you're just getting started with air frying, check out all the tips and tricks included in my Air Fryer Recipes for Beginners digital cookbook.
Included is everything you need to make delicious, crispy food without all the hassle.
🛒Helpful Kitchen Tools
More InformationMore InformationMore InformationMore Information
Main Ingredients Needed
Below is a quick preview of the ingredients you’ll need. For exact amounts, check the recipe card below. You can also use the "Shopping List button" to create a printable shopping list, or the "Get Ingredients button" in the recipe card to order groceries online.
Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- You can use avocado oil or olive oil to coat the chicken thighs.
- Want to try a different seasoning? Try my Homemade Spice Rub I use with my Dutch Oven Roast Chicken Recipe. Or add a kick with cayenne pepper, chili powder, or a dash of hot sauce to your marinade or dry rub.
- Add vegetables to the air fryer basket alongside the chicken. Try bell peppers, onions, Brussels sprouts, or root vegetables for a complete meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Step 2: Pat the chicken thighs dry then coat in the oil and lemon juice.
Step 3: Coat the thighs in the seasoning mix.
Step 4: Place the thighs in the air fryer basket.
Kitchen Tool Spotlight
Cook time may vary depending on the size of the chicken thighs. You can tell when they're done when a meat thermometer reaches 165ºF when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken.
Air Fryer Instructions
Step 5: Cook the chicken thighs at 400°F for 10 minutes then flip and cook for an additional 5-8 minutes.
Before you Begin!
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Recipe FAQ's
To view the answers, simply click on the down arrow (⬇) next to each question. If you have any other questions not answered here, please leave a comment!
For average sized chicken thighs, it should take 18-25 minutes. The most reliable way to ensure your chicken is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. The safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F (74°C).
While you can use aluminum foil in an air fryer, it's generally best to use it sparingly and with caution. Make sure there is proper airflow and food safety when deciding whether or not to use foil.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Refrigerate: Allow your leftover chicken thighs to cool to room temperature before storing. Add the chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: Use airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags designed for freezing. Squeeze out as much air as possible from freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Thaw and Reheat: Place the frozen chicken is in the refrigerator. This allows for slow and even thawing, which helps preserve the quality of the meat. Reheat in the air fryer for crispiness or the oven for even heating,
More Recipes You'll Love!
Check out my recipe for Twice Baked Potatoes also made in the air fryer. Or you might like this recipe for Grilled Chicken Thighs.
📖 Recipe Card
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Video
Ingredients
- 3 chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Equipment
Method
- Combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Place the chicken thighs in a bowl and pat them dry. Next, add the oil and the lemon juice to the chicken. Rub the thighs thoroughly.
- Add the seasoning mixture to the chicken thighs. Pat the chicken with the seasoning to ensure it sticks.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF.
- Once heated, add the chicken thighs to the air fryer. If using bone in, place them skin side down in a single layer making sure not to overcrowd. You can do separate batches if necessary.
- Cook for 10 minutes, then flip the chicken thighs and cook for an additional 5-8 minutes.
- You can tell the chicken thighs are done when a meat thermometer reaches 165ºF when inserted in the chicken.
Nutrition
Notes
- Cook time may vary depending on the size of the chicken thighs.
Comments
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