Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

If you’re craving crispy, juicy chicken without the hassle of deep frying, these Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are exactly what you need! Perfectly seasoned and cooked to golden perfection, they are easy, quick, and absolutely delicious. Plus, cleanup is a breeze thanks to the air fryer.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Super Crispy – Achieve a crunchy outside without all the oil.
Quick Cooking – Ready in under 30 minutes for a fast meal.
Juicy and Flavorful – The air fryer locks in moisture beautifully.
Simple Ingredients – You probably already have everything you need.
Perfect for Meal Prep – Great for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Thighs:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp dried oregano

For Serving:

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
• Lemon wedges for squeezing over the top

Tools You’ll Need

• Air fryer
• Small bowl for seasoning mix
• Tongs
• Paper towels

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
Dry skin is key to achieving maximum crispiness in the air fryer.

Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, and oregano.
Drizzle olive oil over the chicken thighs and rub it in evenly.
Sprinkle the seasoning mix all over the thighs, coating both sides.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes.
This ensures the chicken starts cooking immediately and crisps up nicely.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken Thighs
Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket skin-side down, making sure they are not touching.
Cook for 12 minutes.
Flip the thighs over and cook for another 10-12 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a bright, fresh flavor.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Pat the Skin Very Dry – The drier the skin, the crispier the result.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket – Give the chicken space so the air can circulate properly.
Flip Halfway – Flipping ensures even browning and crispiness.
Use a Meat Thermometer – Always check the internal temperature to make sure it’s safe to eat.
Experiment with Spices – Feel free to add a little cayenne for heat or rosemary for an herby twist.

Serving Suggestions
Simple Salad – A crisp green salad balances the rich chicken beautifully.
Roasted Vegetables – Quick sides like roasted carrots or green beans pair perfectly.
Rice or Quinoa – A hearty grain base makes this a complete meal.
Mashed Potatoes – Creamy potatoes are a classic companion to crispy chicken thighs.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Place cooled chicken thighs in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze cooked thighs in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Air Fryer: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 4-5 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Oven: Reheat in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Quick but less crispy, microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
   Yes! They cook a little faster, so reduce the cooking time by about 4-5 minutes.
2. Should I marinate the chicken before air frying?
   It’s not necessary, but you can marinate for extra flavor. Just pat dry before seasoning and air frying.
3. How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
   Use a meat thermometer. The thickest part should read 165°F (74°C).
4. Can I stack the chicken thighs in the air fryer?
   It’s best to cook in a single layer to ensure even crisping. If needed, cook in batches.

Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are the perfect solution when you want crispy, juicy chicken without the mess of traditional frying. With simple seasoning and quick cooking, they’re a weeknight hero and a meal-prep superstar.
Give them a try and see why they’re a family favorite! Don’t forget to share your creations and leave a review—I’d love to hear how it turns out.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 320 | Protein: 24g | Carbohydrates: 1g | Fat: 24g | Fiber: 0g | Sodium: 520mg

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