These air fryer chicken thighs are crispy, juicy, and perfectly seasoned with the best dry rub seasoning! Pair with your favorite side for an easy chicken dinner, ready in under 30 minutes.
This no-effort recipe is a total game-changer for simple weeknight dinners when you are short on time! Flavorful plus no need to turn on the oven, your whole family will love this recipe.
Winner, winner, juicy chicken thighs for dinner!
There is a reason poultry is a popular consumer choice when it comes to lean protein. You can make baked thighs, grilled breast, or even make healthy recipes such as Instant Pot lemon garlic chicken!
Lately, though, air-frying thighs has taken center stage, claiming its spot as a favorite and there is no looking back!
Why This Recipe Works
Juicy and tender poultry that’s ready fast, super healthy, and just so delicious!
- Simple ingredients: Only 8 ingredients are needed to make it and that includes salt and pepper.
- Quick and easy: No marinating required and they are ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish!
- Crispy and juicy: Crispy results without using huge amounts of oil or sacrificing taste.
- Versatile: Your choice of thighs, customize seasonings to your liking, plus low carb and keto-friendly!
Should I Use Bone-in, Skin-on Chicken Thighs or Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs?
For this recipe, you can use either bone-in, skin-on, or boneless and skinless. Although, if you want crispy, juicy meat, I highly recommend thighs with skin on.
The skin helps lock in the moisture without the need to brine or marinate your meat! The bone flavors the meat from within and leads to perfectly cooked chicken, not overcooked at all.
If boneless, skinless thighs are all you have on hand or preferred, I’ve included the times for both below and your air fryer chicken thighs will still be amazing!
How Long to Cook Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer?
Set your air fryer to 380 degrees F and follow the cooking times listed below or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
- For bone-in, skin-on: 18-24 minutes
- For boneless, skinless: 18-20 minutes
Ingredients Needed
How to Make Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer
- In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and dried oregano.
- Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. In a large bowl, add the chicken and coat it with olive oil. Sprinkle the dry rub all over the chicken thighs, covering both sides.
- Place the chicken onto the air fryer basket/tray, skin side down. Air fry at 400°F for 12 minutes. Then, flip and air fry for an additional 6-8 minutes, depending on the size of the thighs.
- Thighs are done when the skin is crispy and the internal meat thermometer reads 165°F.
Helpful Tips
- Pat the chicken dry: You want to remove as much moisture as possible for the crispiest results.
- Flip halfway: This ensures both sides get evenly browned.
- Instant read thermometer: Meat should be cooked to 165° degrees F. Check the temperature with an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh.
FAQs
Yes. An air fryer is a smaller convection oven, so just like you would bake it in a traditional oven, it is safe to put raw meat in the air fryer to cook.
Yes! This will ensure both sides are evenly browned and crispy to perfection!
The best way to know when your thighs are done is to use a meat thermometer. When inserted into the thickest part of the chicken, it should read 165 degrees F.
What to Serve It With
Complete your meal with some easy sides! Oven-roasted potatoes, sweet potato fries or a simple side salad are all great choices. You may even want to include some favorite sauces for dipping, like BBQ or ranch.
Storage Tips
- To Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3-5 days.
- To Reheat: Quickly reheat thighs in the microwave, reheat in the air fryer, or place in the oven at 350 degrees F until warm.
- To Freeze: Cool completely, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw then follow reheating instructions.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and dried oregano.
- Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. In a large bowl, add the chicken and coat it with olive oil. Sprinkle the dry rub all over the chicken thighs, covering both sides.
- Place the chicken onto the air fryer basket/tray, skin side down. Air fry at 400°F for 12 minutes. Then, flip and air fry for an additional 6-8 minutes, depending on the size of the thighs.
- Thighs are done when the skin is crispy and the internal meat thermometer reads 165°F.
Notes
- Pat the chicken dry: You want to remove as much moisture as possible for the crispiest results.
- Flip halfway: This ensures both sides get evenly browned.
- Instant read thermometer: Meat should be cooked to 165° degrees F. Check the temperature with an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh.
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