Description
These easy air fryer chicken thighs deliver crispy skin and juicy meat in just 25 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknight dinners with minimal prep and maximum flavor. The air fryer creates restaurant-quality results every time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6–8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2–3 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for extra crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground preferred)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (essential for depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (adds savory complexity)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (for color and mild heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (aromatic herb complement)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (Mediterranean flavor boost)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. Remove any excess skin or fat if desired.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Drizzle olive oil over chicken thighs and rub evenly. Sprinkle seasoning blend generously over both sides.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Arrange Chicken: Place seasoned chicken thighs in air fryer basket, skin-side down initially. Don’t overlap pieces.
- First Cook Cycle: Cook for 12 minutes at 380°F.
- Flip and Continue: Carefully flip each thigh using tongs. Cook for an additional 10-13 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Let chicken rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Notes
Pro Tips:
- Pat chicken completely dry for maximum crispiness
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket – cook in batches if needed
- For boneless thighs: reduce cooking time to 18-20 minutes total
- Season 2-4 hours ahead for deeper flavor penetration
- Internal temperature should reach 165°F for food safety
Storage: Store in refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 0
- Sodium: 420
- Fat: 19
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 12
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 1
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 26
- Cholesterol: 95
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