Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Hey y’all! If you love weeknight dinners that taste like you fussed for hours, these Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are about to be your new go-to. They’re irresistibly crispy on the outside, unbelievably juicy inside, and perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or game-day snacking. Minimal ingredients, big flavor, and almost no cleanup. Let’s get cooking!

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 18 minutes | Rest: 5 minutes | Total Time: 33 minutes | Yield: 4 servings

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

• Crispy, crackly skin with juicy, tender meat every single time.
• Fast: dinner ready in about 30 minutes with simple pantry spices.
• Foolproof method with exact temps, times, and internal temp cues.
• Budget-friendly protein that works for meal prep or weeknights.
• Minimal cleanup thanks to the air fryer—no splatter, no mess.

Ingredients for Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

• 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 4 medium thighs)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder (optional, for extra-crispy skin)
• Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Directions: How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

1. Preheat

   Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (205°C) for 5 minutes. This jump-starts the crisping and keeps cook time accurate.

2. Mix the rub

   In a small bowl, combine salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne (if using), and baking powder. Stir well.

3. Season

   Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then drizzle with olive oil and rub the spice mix all over, coating under some of the skin for extra flavor.

4. Air-fry the chicken thighs (side one)

   Place thighs skin-side down in a single layer (no overlapping). Air-fry at 400°F (205°C) for 9 minutes.

5. Flip and finish Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

   Flip skin-side up and cook 7–9 minutes more (total 16–18 minutes), until the skin is deep golden and the thickest part hits 165°F (74°C).

6. Rest and serve

   Let rest 5 minutes to keep juices in. Squeeze lemon over the top and serve hot.

Notes & Useful Tips

• Size matters: if your thighs are very large, add 2–4 minutes and verify doneness with an instant-read thermometer.
• Safe internal temp for poultry is 165°F (74°C)—always verify doneness: foodsafety.gov.
• For extra-crispy skin, leave the thighs uncovered in the fridge for 30–60 minutes before cooking to dry the skin slightly.

Variations: Flavor Twists for Air Fryer Thighs

• Lemon Pepper: Replace smoked paprika with 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning and finish with fresh lemon zest.
• BBQ Dry Rub: Use your favorite BBQ rub (2 tablespoons) in place of the spices; brush with a thin layer of BBQ sauce in the last 2 minutes.
• Herb & Garlic: Mix 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning and 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme into the rub; finish with fresh parsley.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Air fryer (5–6 quart basket or larger)
• Instant-read thermometer
• Tongs and small mixing bowl
• Paper towels

Storage & Reheating Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

• Refrigerate: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Reheat: Air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes until warmed and crisp; or oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes.
• Freeze: Up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat as above.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with roasted potatoes, garlic green beans, or a simple arugula salad with lemon.
• Add a side of rice pilaf or creamy coleslaw for a complete meal.
• Great with dips: honey mustard, ranch, or a spicy hot sauce.

Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

• Don’t crowd the basket—air needs to circulate. Cook in batches if needed for even browning.
• Keep the skin dry: pat thoroughly before seasoning, and use a touch of baking powder for next-level crisp.
• Learn your air fryer: models vary. This guide helps you dial in technique: Serious Eats Air Fryer Guide.

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs FAQ

Can I use boneless, skinless thighs? Yes. Cook at 400°F (205°C) for about 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway, until they reach 165°F. They won’t be as crispy without skin, but they’ll be very juicy.

Do I need to marinate? Not required. A dry rub delivers bold flavor fast, but a 30-minute yogurt or buttermilk marinade adds extra tenderness.

Are chicken thighs a healthy option? Thighs are flavorful and satisfying with a bit more natural fat; learn more here: Healthline on chicken thigh nutrition.