Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 20 reviews

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

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.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

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