Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe: Juicy Perfection

Juicy and tender chicken thighs cooked to golden perfection in an air fryer chicken thighs recipe deliver mouthwatering flavor in minutes.

These crispy delights come together faster than traditional oven methods.

The secret lies in the hot circulating air that locks in moisture while creating a delectable exterior.

Simple seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, and salt bring out rich, savory notes that make this dish irresistible.

With minimal prep and cleanup, you can enjoy restaurant-quality chicken at home without hours of cooking.

The air fryer ensures each bite is packed with incredible taste and texture.

Grab your ingredients and get ready to experience a weeknight dinner game-changer that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 28 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need for Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

• Chicken Thighs: Rich, juicy cut with deeper flavor than chicken breast, selecting bone-in and skin-on ensures maximum tenderness and crispy exterior.

• Salt, Brown Sugar: Enhances overall flavor profile and promotes beautiful caramelization.
• Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Creates complex, aromatic spice mixture that penetrates meat deeply.
• Dried Thyme: Adds earthy, herbal undertone complementing chicken's natural richness.

• Olive Oil: Helps seasonings adhere to chicken and promotes even browning in air fryer.

Tools to Make Crispy Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer

• Air Fryer: Essential for cooking chicken thighs with crispy skin and perfect texture.
• Tongs: Perfect for flipping chicken and handling meat safely during cooking.
• Medium Bowl: Needed for mixing chicken with oil and seasoning.
• Small Bowl: Used for preparing the dry seasoning mix.
• Fork: Helpful for mixing spices together smoothly.
• Paper Towels: Great for patting chicken dry before seasoning.
• Meat Thermometer: Crucial for checking chicken's internal temperature for safe cooking.
• Plastic Wrap: Optional for marinating chicken overnight (if desired).

Directions for Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

• Chicken Preparation

Pat chicken thighs with paper towels to remove excess moisture, creating a perfect surface for seasoning absorption.

• Seasoning Blend

Mix together a robust spice combination including salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and brown sugar to create a flavor-packed coating.

• Flavor Infusion

Generously coat chicken with spice mixture, ensuring every inch is covered for maximum taste explosion. Optional overnight marination will deepen flavors.

• Air Fryer Setup

Warm up air fryer to 380°F, creating an ideal cooking environment for crispy, juicy chicken.

• Cooking Process

Place chicken skin-side down in air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip and continue cooking for another 7-8 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F for perfectly safe and delicious results.

Flavor Variations and Seasoning Tips

• Pat chicken thighs extremely dry before seasoning to ensure maximum crispiness and achieve that perfect golden-brown exterior in the air fryer.
• Cook extra chicken thighs and store them in airtight containers for quick protein additions to salads, sandwiches, or grain bowls throughout the week.
• Drizzle finished chicken with honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or create a quick lemon-herb sauce to elevate the dish's overall taste and moisture.
• Swap bone-in chicken thighs with boneless versions if needed, adjusting cooking time slightly to prevent overcooking and maintain juiciness.

How to Serve Crispy Chicken Thighs

• Pair with Zesty Sides: Serve these juicy chicken thighs alongside roasted sweet potato wedges or a crisp cucumber salad for a balanced meal that pops with flavor.
• Create a Comfort Plate: Pile the air-fried chicken thighs over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up those delicious drippings and create a satisfying dinner.
• Elevate with Fresh Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top to add a bright, herbal touch that cuts through the rich, savory chicken and makes the dish look restaurant-worthy.
• Make it a Picnic Star: Pack these chicken thighs cold for an outdoor lunch or potluck – they're equally delicious served warm or chilled and perfect for casual gatherings.

Storing and Reheating Air Fried Chicken Thighs

• Refrigerate Smartly: Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap individual chicken thighs tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. These delicious morsels will maintain quality for up to 3 months when frozen at 0°F.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated chicken in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to maintain crispy skin and prevent drying out. Microwaving can make the chicken tough, so avoid if possible.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare a batch of these chicken thighs on Sunday for quick protein additions to salads, grain bowls, or quick lunches throughout the busy work week.

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.9 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent air fryer chicken thighs deliver crispy perfection with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Juicy meat and golden-brown skin guarantee a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 4 bone-in chicken thighs
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 tsp (5 g) salt
• 2 tsps (10 g) paprika
• 3 tsps (15 g) garlic powder
• 1 tsp (5 g) onion powder
• 1 tsp (2 g) dried thyme
• 1 tsp (4 g) brown sugar

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to eliminate moisture, promoting a crisp exterior.
2. Seasoning Blend: Mix kosher salt, smoked paprika, granulated garlic, powdered onion, dried thyme leaves, and organic brown sugar in a small bowl until thoroughly combined.
3. Marination: Coat chicken with extra virgin olive oil, then generously sprinkle the seasoning mixture, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for 12-24 hours to intensify flavor profile.
4. Air Fryer Setup: Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes, creating an ideal cooking environment.
5. Initial Cooking: Arrange chicken thighs skin-side down in the basket without overlapping, cooking for 10 minutes to initiate crisping process.
6. Final Cooking: Flip thighs using tongs and continue cooking for 7-8 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Resting Phase: Remove chicken from air fryer and allow to rest 3-5 minutes, enabling juice redistribution for maximum tenderness and flavor.

Notes

• Pat Dry for Crispiness: Remove excess moisture from chicken thighs to achieve a perfectly crispy exterior that’ll make your taste buds dance.
• Massage Seasonings Thoroughly: Ensure every inch of chicken is coated with the aromatic spice blend for maximum flavor explosion.
• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Letting the chicken sit with seasonings for 12-24 hours allows spices to penetrate deeply, creating a mouthwatering taste experience.
• Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken is safely cooked to 165°F, preventing any risk of foodborne illness while maintaining juicy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg