Name: Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 bone-in (skin-on chicken thighs); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika); ½ tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp dried thyme

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Crispy, Juicy, and Packed with Flavor!

There’s something so satisfying about perfectly cooked chicken thighs; they’re crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor.

If you love easy and delicious meals, this air-fried chicken thigh recipe is a game-changer! It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or even a cozy dinner when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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One of the best things about this recipe is how effortless it is. No need to turn on the oven or stand over a hot stove. Just season the chicken, put it in the air fryer, and let it work its magic. The result? Golden-brown, crispy skin with tender and flavorful meat inside, without using a ton of oil.

I love making these air fryer chicken thighs because they’re budget-friendly, kid-approved, and incredibly versatile. You can serve them with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or shred them for tacos and salads.

Why You’ll Love It

Crispy Skin Without the Guilt – Thanks to the air fryer, you get crispy, golden-brown chicken with just a small amount of oil—no deep frying needed!
Juicy and Flavorful – Chicken thighs naturally have more fat than chicken breasts, keeping them tender and moist every time.
Quick and Easy – This recipe takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Budget-Friendly – Chicken thighs are affordable and often cheaper than chicken breasts, making this a great recipe for feeding a family without breaking the bank.
Endless Possibilities – Eat them as they are, toss them in your favorite sauce, or use them in salads, wraps, or meal prep. So many ways to enjoy them!

Ingredients

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper

1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)

½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried thyme

Ingredient Notes

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs – These work best for this recipe because the skin gets crispy, and the meat stays juicy. You can use boneless thighs, but they’ll cook faster, so adjust the time.

Smoked paprika – This adds a slight smoky depth of flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika works too!
Olive oil – Helps the seasoning stick to the chicken and encourages crispiness. You can also use avocado oil.
Salt & spices – Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste. Adding a pinch of cayenne gives a little heat if you like spice!

Kitchen Tools Needed

Air Fryer – The star of the show! Any brand will work, but I love using the Ninja Air Fryer for its even cooking and easy cleanup.
Tongs – Helps flip or remove the chicken without burning your fingers. Silicone-tipped tongs are great for avoiding scratching the air fryer basket.
Mixing Bowl – For tossing the chicken with oil and seasonings to ensure an even coating.

Meat Thermometer – A must-have to check if your chicken is fully cooked. Chicken thighs should reach 165°F (75°C) internally.
Paper Towels – Helps pat the chicken dry before seasoning, which leads to crispier skin.

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This is super important for getting crispy skin, so don’t skip it!

Step 2: Season the Chicken

In a large mixing bowl, add the chicken thighs, olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, and thyme.
Toss everything together until the chicken is well-coated.

Pro Tip: Using your hands or tongs helps ensure every piece gets evenly seasoned.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating helps the chicken start crisping up right away.

Step 4: Arrange the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs, skin-side down, in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Don’t overcrowd! If they’re too close together, they won’t get crispy.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

Air fry for 12 minutes, then carefully flip the chicken so the skin side is up.
Cook for another 10-12 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Pro Tip: If you love extra crispy skin, let the chicken cook for an extra 2-3 minutes at 400°F before taking it out.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices settle, making every bite extra juicy!

A photo of an air fryer with chicken thighs

Enjoy your crispy, juicy air fryer chicken thighs with your favorite sides!

Tips and Tricks for Success

Pat the chicken dry for the crispiest skin – Moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Use paper towels to remove excess moisture before seasoning.

Don’t skip the preheat – A hot air fryer ensures the skin starts crisping up immediately, just like when searing meat in a hot pan.
Give the chicken space – Overcrowding the air fryer basket will trap steam, making the skin soggy instead of crispy. Cook in batches if needed.
Use a meat thermometer – Chicken thighs are safe to eat at 165°F (75°C), but for extra juicy meat, let them go up to 175-180°F (80-82°C) — they stay tender and get even more flavorful!

Let them rest before serving – This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

Boneless Chicken Thighs – These cook faster! Reduce the cooking time to 10-12 minutes total, flipping halfway through.
Chicken Drumsticks – Love drumsticks? Use the same seasoning and cook them for 18-20 minutes at 400°F.

Different Seasonings – Want a twist? Try:
- Lemon Herb: Swap paprika for lemon zest and add a squeeze of lemon after cooking.
- Spicy Kick: Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- BBQ Style: Brush with your favorite BBQ sauce in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Oil-Free Option – Skip the olive oil and use a light spray of cooking oil instead. It still helps the seasoning stick while keeping things light!

Serving Suggestions

Classic Comfort Meal – Serve with mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a cozy, satisfying dinner.

Low-Carb Option – Pair with roasted Brussels sprouts or a fresh cauliflower rice stir-fry for a lighter meal.
Quick & Easy Bowl – Slice the chicken and serve over a rice bowl with avocado, black beans, and salsa for a flavorful, fuss-free meal.
Salad Topper – Chop the chicken and add it to a Caesar salad or a Mediterranean bowl with cucumbers, feta, and olives for extra protein.

Wrap or Sandwich – Shred the chicken and use it in tacos, wraps, or sandwiches with your favorite sauces and toppings. I love it in a pita with tzatziki and fresh veggies!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage

Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Air Fryer (Best Option): Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 4-5 minutes to crisp up the skin again.
Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Cover loosely with foil to keep it from drying out.
Microwave (Quickest): Heat in 30-second bursts to avoid drying out. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it juicy.

Skillet: Reheat over medium heat with a little oil for a crispy finish.

I love using the air fryer to reheat because it keeps the skin crispy, just like when it was freshly cooked!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs?

Yes! They cook faster, so reduce the time to 10-12 minutes total, flipping halfway through. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t dry out!

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

Yes! Flipping halfway through ensures even cooking and helps both sides get crispy.

What if my chicken isn’t crispy enough?

Try cooking for 2-3 extra minutes at 400°F, or make sure you’re not overcrowding the basket—air circulation is key!

Can I marinate the chicken before cooking?

Absolutely! Marinating for 30 minutes to a few hours enhances the flavor. Just pat the chicken dry before air frying to ensure crispiness.

How do I know when my chicken thighs are done?

Use a meat thermometer — the internal temperature should be at least 165°F (75°C), but for even juicier thighs, go up to 175-180°F (80-82°C).

Can I make this recipe in the oven?

Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through. You won’t get quite the same crispiness as an air fryer, but it will still be delicious!

I’d love to hear how this turns out for you! Let me know in the comments — did you try a fun seasoning twist or pair it with a favorite side?

Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me (@tasiahub_) or use the hashtag (#tasiahub). I’d love to see your creations!

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

This Air Fryer Chicken Thighs recipe is a game changer! It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or even a cozy dinner when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 25

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

Air fryer
Tongs

Mixing Bowl
Meat Thermometer
Paper Towels

Ingredients

4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp smoked paprika or regular paprika
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried thyme