This mouthwatering air fryer chicken thighs recipe is perfectly seasoned with a simple dry rub blend of everyday spices for the juiciest chicken with minimal prep.
Looking for other new air fryer recipes to try! Be sure to make this air fryer bacon wrapped asparagus, these delicious air fryer salmon bites and these air fryer southwest egg rolls are all perfect for easy weeknight dinners.
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Juicy Air Fried Chicken Thighs
My whole family loves this chicken! It has such amazing flavors from the simple seasoning blend but doesn’t skimp on taste. I used skin on chicken thighs in this recipe for the perfectly crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside chicken! Feel free to use skinless chicken thighs if you prefer lower fat content.
What to Serve with Chicken Thighs
This is such a versatile recipe and I love to keep it simple with my side dishes. It’s easy to complete a delicious meal by serving them with a veggie like brussels sprouts, roasted green beans or sautéed spinach along with roasted potatoes, sweet potatoes or hashbrown casserole.
Ingredients Needed
Below is a list of the ingredients you’ll need to gather to make this easy recipe. Scroll down to the full recipe card for individual amounts.
- Chicken Thighs: I used bone-in chicken thighs in this recipe. Use boneless chicken thighs and reduce the cooking time slightly.
- Paprika & Smoked Paprika: for delicious smoky flavors. I used both kinds but you can use one or the other if you’d like.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder
- Cayenne Pepper: Optional for a pinch of heat.
More Ways to Season Chicken Thighs
- Swap smoked paprika for a teaspoon of chili powder.
- Add dried thyme, rosemary, or even Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
- Add the juice of a lemon and marinade it for an hour before cooking.
How to Make Crispy Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer
Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 350° F.
Step 2: Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel.
Step 3: Combine all spices in a small bowl and then coat the chicken with the rub mixture. (You can use your fingers or a brush)
Step 4: Arrange the chicken pieces, skin side down, in the air fryer basket in a single layer. (Avoid overcrowding so they will cook evenly).
Step 5: Cook for 15 minutes, then flip and continue cooking for an additional 12-15 depending on the size of your chicken thighs. Just be sure they reach an internal temperature of 165° F with an instant read thermometer.
Tips:
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary.
- Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh to check for doneness.
- For extra crispy chicken, spray the air fryer basket with olive oil after preheating it.
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerator: after cooling completely, store any leftover thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze: place them in a freezer safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat: I like to reheat them in the air fryer to keep the crispy skin. But feel free to heat them in the microwave on a microwave safe plate.
FAQ’s
Yes, you sure can! It’s wonderful if you are in a pinch. Season as directed and just increase the cooking time by 5 minutes on each side. The size and thickness of the thighs will determine how long they need to cook. Just be sure to cook until no longer pink and the internal temperature reads 165° F on a meat thermometer.
Dark meat chicken like chicken thighs and legs can certainly be as healthy as popular chicken breasts. For the lowest fat content and calories, be sure to remove the skin and trim off any excess fat from each piece. Air frying, roasting and grilling with minimal additional oils are the best for keeping addition calories at a minimum.
More Easy Air Fryer Chicken Recipes
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs bone-in
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350° F
- Pat each chicken thigh dry with a paper towel.4 chicken thighs
- In a small bowl, add the spices and mix thoroughly. Then rub each thigh with the spice mixture.2 teaspoons paprika, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket skin side down, being careful not to overcrowd so they cook evenly and get crispy. (Cook in two batches if the thighs are large).
- Cook chicken thighs for 15 minutes.
- Then flip the chicken over using thongs and cook for an additional 12-15 minutes. until the internal temperature reaches 165° F with a meat thermometer.
- Serve as is or with your favorite bbq sauce.
Notes
Nutrition
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