Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
A quick and easy recipe for juicy, tender chicken thighs with irresistibly crispy skin made in the air fryer. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests without the mess of frying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds / 700g)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt (kosher or sea salt preferred)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken thighs with olive oil.
- Mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper in a small dish, then sprinkle evenly over the chicken thighs. Rub gently to coat all sides.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 12 minutes.
- Flip the chicken thighs and cook for another 8-13 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest on a plate for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.
Notes
Patting the chicken dry before seasoning is key to crispy skin. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking for even crispiness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have an air fryer, bake at 425°F (220°C) for 35-40 minutes on a wire rack, flipping halfway.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 280
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 1
- Protein: 20
Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, juicy chicken, healthy chicken, low carb chicken