Welcome to the ultimate guide for making incredibly juicy and Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs. If you’re searching for a quick, reliable, and delicious dinner, you’ve found it. We get perfectly cooked chicken, that is wonderfully crispy skin each and every time, with minimal oil and minimal effort.

The air fryer is a weeknight meal game changer and this recipe exemplifies that perfectly. It helps circulate hot air to render the crispy and beautiful outer and trappable of the chicken juices. Forget heating your oven these Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are the perfect solution for a satisfying and easy-to-make meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Making chicken thighs in the air fryer isn’t just simple; it’s a superior cooking method. The convection fan is high powered so the skin becomes unbelievably crispy, something that is difficult to obtain without deep frying.

Furthermore, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You may keep with the traditional seasoning mixture below or use your favorite spices. It is the base recipe and you can adjust flavor profiles quite easily so it becomes a staple that you will go back to time and time again.

Ingredients

The following is what you will require to make this dish. It is a beauty because it is so simple; and as it is based on familiar pantry items, it is something to remember.

Chicken Thighs: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon
Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
Onion Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
Dried Thyme: 1/2 teaspoon
Salt: 1 teaspoon (or to taste)
Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground)

Time and Servings

Time	Duration
Preparation Time:	5 minutes
Cooking Time:	20-25 minutes
Total Time:	25-30 minutes
Serves:	4

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to achieve perfectly crispy chicken. When you are in the kitchen start with an action word to make you clear and moving.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This makes sure that the chicken begins cooking as soon as it is placed inside which is important when you are looking to have crispy skin.
Absorb any water on the chicken thighs by drying it out with a paper towel. The critical step in the achievement of the crispy finish is to get rid of the excess moisture.
In a small bowl combining the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
Pour olive oil over the chicken thighs and then season it with the seasoning mix all the way around, rubbing it into the skin.
Place the seasoned thighs of chicken in the lower basket of the air fryer, skin down, in a singular layer. Make sure you do not crowd the basket; cook in batches when needed.
Air fry for 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
Flip the chicken thighs so they are skin-side up.
Continue to air fry for another 10-15 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) on a meat thermometer.
Rest the chicken for 5 minutes before serving. This enables the juices to be distributed again giving a moist juicy and tender outcome.

Recipe Variations

Because Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are so versatile, you can easily change the flavor profile. These are a few to start you on.

Spicy Chili-Lime Chicken

Interchange the seasoning with a paste containing 1 tsp chili, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic and the zest of one lime. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the chicken after cooking.

Lemon Herb Chicken

Combine 1 tsp of dried oregano, 1/2 tsp of garlic powder, 1/2 tsp of onion powder, and the lemon zest of a lemon. This gives out the bright refreshing taste which accompanies salads, or even roasted vegetables.

Tips and Tricks for Success

Don’t Skip the Drying Step: For the crispiest skin, your chicken must be as dry as possible before adding the oil and spices. Paper towels are your best friend here.
Do not overcrowd: It is better to spread the chicken in a single layer to enable even the hot air to circulate freely around individual pieces. When the basket is overloaded, the chicken will end up getting steamed as opposed to frying.
Meat Thermometer: This is by far the surest and most healthy way to make sure your chicken is cooked to perfection. It should read 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part, avoiding the bone.

Conclusion

This Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe is a fantastic way to get a delicious dinner on the table with minimal fuss. The outcome is crisp, succulent meat and crispness that you want. It’s a healthy, quick, and endlessly adaptable meal that your whole family will love.

We are confident you will enjoy these amazing Air Fryer Chicken Thighs. Give the recipe a try and let us know what you think! Leave a rating, a comment or share it with a friend that loves easy recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs?

Yes, you can. Boneless, skinless thighs will cook faster, typically in about 15-18 minutes at 380°F (193°C). Flip them halfway through cooking. They won’t have crispy skin, but they will be very juicy.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store the unused parts of chicken in a refrigerator inside an airtight container, but not more than 3-4 days. To reheat and bring back the crispiness, place them in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes until heated through.

Can I use frozen chicken thighs?

It is strongly advised to air fry chicken thighs after they are thawed. Frozen cooking may leave a good texture, with the exterior too done before being edible on the inside.