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You are going to love the delicious flavors and crispy skin of these air fryer chicken thighs. It’s hard to believe they’re cooked in an air fryer without the need for deep-frying oil. Plus, they’re so simple to make, they’ll quickly become a family favorite!
Easy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe
The air fryer gives the chicken an amazing crispy coating, while the chicken inside is juicy and tender. I love making this on busy weeknights, or when I want to meal prep for the week!
I love my air fryer and use it more than any other kitchen gadget. This simple recipe is one of my family’s favorites and it’s done in half the time it would take to deep fry. You only need a handful of ingredients for this easy recipe that’s fully cooked in less than 30 minutes of cook time.
Looking for more air fryer chicken recipes? Check out this article where we share our favorite top 50 air fryer chicken recipes.
Ingredients Needed to Make Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer
- Chicken Thighs– boneless skinless chicken thighs or bone-in chicken thighs.
- Olive oil-helps the chicken crisp up on the outside, and the spices stick to the chicken.
- garlic powder- gives the chicken a delicious flavor.
- onion powder
- ground black pepper- add an small amount of heat flavor and enhances the other spices.
- smoked paprika- gives a smoky taste to the chicken.
- salt-a simple seasoning that will enhance the flavor of this chicken.
OPTIONAL: Add additional spices such as cayenne or white pepper to make these thighs spicier! Or change it up completely by using a little Italian seasoning.
How to Make Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer
STEP 1. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
STEP 2. Pat the raw chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Place the chicken in a large bowl and toss in the olive oil. Add the seasonings to the chicken thighs and make sure to cover them evenly.
STEP 3. Place chicken thighs into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes of cooking time. Flip the thighs and cook chicken for an additional 8 minutes.
STEP 4. Use a meat thermometer or instant read thermometer to ensure the thighs have reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
STEP 5. For crispier skin, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to get extra crispy chicken thighs.
Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Confirm Doneness: Make sure the chicken has cooked properly so it will be safe to eat. Use an instant read thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temp of 165 degrees Fahrenheit for perfectly cooked chicken thighs. Bone-in chicken thighs may take a little longer than boneless chicken thighs.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Give your chicken thighs enough space so the air can circulate and cook them properly. Overcrowding or overlapping pieces of chicken can leave some parts uncooked. Work in batches if necessary.
- Flip Halfway Through Cooking: To ensure even cooking on both sides of your chicken, flip them halfway through air frying time.
Variations
- Lemon Pepper Thighs– You only need a few simple ingredients to make this quick and easy dish. In less than 20 minutes this chicken dish that packs a punch of flavor that are ready to be devoured on your weeknight dinner table.
- BBQ Chicken Thighs- They are tender and juicy and seasoned with simple spices and basted in your favorite barbeque sauce. This makes a super easy dinner for two, ready in less than half an hour!
- Boneless Chicken Thighs– Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs is such an easy recipe! The quick cook time paired with the tender chicken makes the perfect main dish.
- Frozen Chicken Thighs- Making frozen chicken thighs in the Air fryer is a perfect choice for a busy weeknight, when you need a homemade dinner. In less than thirty minutes, you will have juicy, crispy chicken on the table.
FAQs
How long does it take to air fry chicken thighs?
It takes about 20-24 minutes to air fry chicken thighs at 400 degrees F. Boneless chicken thighs may take less time than bone in chicken thighs.
Can I cook frozen chicken thighs directly from the freezer?
You can air fry frozen chicken thighs. To do this, I prefer to cook the chicken thighs for 5 minutes at 400 degrees F to thaw them enough to toss with olive oil and add seasoning. Then cook the thighs as usual at 400 degrees F for 20-23 minutes.
How do I store leftover chicken thighs?
This is a great recipe to use for meal prepping leftovers. Store any leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating these chicken thighs is easy! Add them back to the air fryer and reheat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-4 minutes, or until chicken is heated through.
What do I serve with chicken thighs?
Serve this recipe with sweet potatoes, green beans, baked potatoes, biscuits, and gravy. Or, for a healthier meal, choose to serve them with a simple side salad with light dressing. Meal prep with brown rice and your favorite vegetables.
More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes
Dinner
Air Fryer Orange Chicken
Dinner
Air Fryer Chicken Breast
Appetizers
Naked Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Air Fryer Recipes
Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Appetizers
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
FAQs
How long does it take to air fry chicken thighs?
It takes about 20-24 minutes to air fry chicken thighs at 400 degrees F. Boneless chicken thighs may take less time than bone in chicken thighs.
How do I store leftover chicken thighs?
This is a great recipe to use for meal prepping leftovers. Store any leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating these chicken thighs is easy! Add them back to the air fryer and reheat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-4 minutes, or until chicken is heated through.
What do I serve with chicken thighs?
Serve this recipe with sweet potatoes, green beans, baked potatoes, biscuits, and gravy. Or, for a healthier meal, choose to serve them with a simple side salad with light dressing. Meal prep with brown rice and your favorite vegetables.
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Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 4-5 chicken thighs, bone in, skin on
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Rinse and pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. Place the chicken in a small bowl and toss in the olive oil.
- Add the seasonings to the chicken thighs and make sure to cover them evenly.
- Place the thighs into the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air Fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes of cooking time. Flip the chicken thighs and cook for an additional 8 minutes.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the thighs have reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- For a crispier skin, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Thank you for all the beautiful recipes. You have helped me out so much!
You’re so welcome! We enjoy making them 🙂