Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

When you need a delicious meal that’s ready in minutes, try these Air Fryer Chicken Thighs! These crispy chicken thighs only need a few seasonings to make a flavorful dinner the entire family will love. Serve with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes for a complete, easy weeknight dinner.

I love my air fryer! Yes, I know it’s a little bit of a fad right now, and I understand air fryers are really just mini convection ovens that move hot air around. But having one has inspired me to try all sorts of recipes I might not otherwise make.

Why You Need an Air Fryer

It’s so nice to use in the summer when you don’t want to heat up your whole house.

It’s a great option when you have just two or three people to feed.

It gives me another cooking method when I’m already using the oven for a large meal, making it a wonderful appliance for the holidays, too!

It’s the best way to get vegetables, potatoes, and more nice and crispy without frying them in oil!

Chicken Thighs: Skin-on or Skinless?

I recommend using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for this recipe. I think it brings a richer flavor to the meat and I do love that crispy skin!

However, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs to save a few calories, or boneless thighs with the skin on if you don’t want to deal with the bones. Boneless thighs will cook a bit faster, so make sure to check on it sooner for doneness.

In a pinch, this recipe works for chicken drumsticks or bone-in chicken breasts as well.

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Ingredients

You only need a handful of seasonings, plus the chicken, for this delicious recipe. Here’s what you need:

Bone-in, chicken thighs (with skin)

Olive oil- this helps the seasonings to stay on the chicken and helps crisp the skin!

Salt

Garlic powder

Smoked paprika

Onion powder

Black pepper

Make sure to review the recipe card below for the exact amount of each ingredient!

How to make Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer

I love an easy recipe for dinner on busy nights, and this one fits the bill! Here’s how to make it:

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. If your air fryer doesn’t have a pre-heat feature, let it run at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes before adding the chicken. 

Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to remove any moisture. 

Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken thighs and rub it into the skin. You don’t need much oil, just a light coating.

Mix the salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and pepper in a small bowl. Apply this spice rub all over the chicken thighs, making sure to coat both sides and under the skin. 

How long to Cook Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer?

Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin-side down, in a single layer. Cook for 12 minutes. 

Flip the chicken thighs so the skin side is facing up and cook for another 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit on a meat thermometer and the skin is crispy and golden brown. 

Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. 

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

Olive Oil: Use avocado oil or vegetable oil for similar results. 

Garlic Powder: Substitute with granulated garlic or use 1-2 cloves of fresh minced garlic. 

Smoked Paprika: You can use regular paprika, but you’ll miss the smoky flavor.

Onion Powder: Substitute with dried minced onion or leave it out if you prefer. 

Seasoning: Feel free to switch up the spices. You can use herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano, or add some spice with cayenne pepper

Serving Suggestions

Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts are easy and pair well with the crispy chicken. You can also air-fry vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus. Try my Roasted Parmesan Broccoli or these Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts!

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes or a garlic mash are perfect with chicken thighs. Try my Ranch Mashed Potatoes or these Cheesy Mashed Potatoes.

Salad: A light side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette balances the richness of the chicken. Try this Strawberry Spinach Salad or my Chicken Caesar Salad.

Corn: Grilled corn on the cob is a summer favorite that pairs well with juicy chicken thighs. Or try this flavorful Skillet Mexican Street Corn!

FAQs

How should I store leftover Air Fryer Chicken Thighs? 

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. 

To reheat: Reheat the chicken in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 6-8 minutes or until heated through. I do not recommend reheating in the microwave as the skin will become soggy. 

To freeze: The cooked chicken thighs can be frozen for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in? 

Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. Just reduce the cooking time by about 5 minutes since boneless thighs cook faster. 

How do I get the skin crispy? 

Make sure to pat the chicken dry with a paper towel before applying the oil and seasoning. Also, don’t overcrowd the air fryer, and cook the chicken skin-side up for the second half of cooking. 

How do I know when my Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are done? 

To check if your chicken thighs are done, use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. Additionally, the juices should run clear, and the meat should no longer be pink inside. 

Do I have to flip the chicken in the air fryer? 

Yes, flipping the chicken halfway through cooking ensures even browning and crispy skin. 

What can I do if the chicken thighs are too large for my air fryer? 

You may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding, which ensures even cooking and crispiness. 

 More Air Fryer Recipes

You made the chicken thighs, now try this Air Fryer Whole Chicken! It’s so tender and flavorful, that you’ll want to make it often!

Crispy Air Fryer Baby Potatoes make the perfect side dish for any meal!

Need a quick and tasty dessert? Make these Air Fryer Blueberry Hand Pies for a sweet treat.

What’s your favorite thing to make in the air fryer? Share in the comments below!

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