These Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Thighs are juicy, crispy, and bursting with bold ranch flavor—an easy, family-friendly dinner ready in under 30 minutes!

Crispy air fryer ranch chicken thighs served on a plate with fresh herbs.
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Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Thighs are a quick, flavorful, and family-approved dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy on the inside and perfectly crispy on the outside, these chicken thighs are coated in a zesty ranch seasoning that adds bold flavor with minimal effort.

With just a few simple ingredients and the air fryer doing all the work, this recipe delivers maximum taste in under 30 minutes. Pair them with your favorite sides for a satisfying meal everyone will love!

Golden brown air fryer ranch chicken thighs on a plate garnished with fresh herbs.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

  • Bold Ranch Flavor – Each bite is packed with zesty, herby goodness.
  • Crispy Outside, Juicy Inside – The air fryer locks in moisture while crisping up the skin perfectly.
  • Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
  • Family-Friendly – A hit with kids and adults alike—perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Versatile Meal Option – Pairs well with salads, veggies, or your favorite sides.

If you are looking for even more Air Fryer Chicken Thigh Recipes, some of my favorites are AIR FRYER POLLO ASADO CHICKENAIR FRYER SESAME CHICKENAIR FRYER COPYCAT KFC FRIED CHICKEN, and AIR FRYER BROWN SUGAR CHICKEN.

Ingredients Needed

ingredients needed for ranch chicken recipe in air fryer on kitchen table.
  • ​Chicken Thighs (Bone-In or Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs): Depending on your preference, both bone-in and boneless chicken thighs work well for this recipe. Bone-in tends to be juicier and more flavorful due to the bone, while boneless might be quicker to cook.
  • Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix: Or use Hidden Valley’s Seasoning Mix.

How To Make Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs being seasoned with ranch and placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket at 400°F.

Step 1: Preheat your a r fryer temperature to 400 degrees F, air fryer setting, set cook time for 3-5 minutes. Pat your chicken dry with a paper towel or kitchen towel. Transfer the packet of ranch into a small bowl. Next, rub the thighs with ranch dressing and place chicken thighs into the air fryer basket in a single layer. 

Ranch-seasoned chicken thighs arranged in a single layer in an air fryer basket, ready to cook.

Step 2: Set the cook time for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway during cooking.

Step 3: Use a meat thermometer or instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Before removing, air fryer boneless chicken thighs should be 165 degrees F. Serve ranch chicken thighs with your favorite sides, and enjoy!

Uncooked chicken thighs in the air fryer basket.

Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Thighs Recipe Tips

  • Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to help the skin crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
  • Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for extra flavor and juiciness, but boneless can also work well.
  • Don’t overcrowd the basket—place the chicken in a single layer for even cooking and crispy results.
  • Flip halfway through for evenly browned, crispy skin on both sides.
  • Add extra ranch seasoning after cooking if you want an extra punch of flavor!

Storing

  • Storing: Store leftover Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let them cool completely before storing to maintain texture.
  • Freezing: Place fully cooled chicken thighs in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, wrap each piece in foil or parchment to prevent freezer burn.
  • Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 5–7 minutes or until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat in the oven or microwave, but the air fryer gives the best texture.
Crispy ranch-seasoned chicken thighs cooked in the air fryer and served with fresh herbs.

What To Serve With Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Thighs pair perfectly with a variety of sides to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

For a classic combo, serve them with creamy mashed potatoes or crispy roasted veggies. If you’re looking for something lighter, a fresh garden salad or steamed green beans makes a great match. You can also go Southern-style with cornbread and coleslaw, or keep it simple with rice and a drizzle of extra ranch on the side. No matter how you serve them, these flavorful chicken thighs are sure to be the star of the plate!

Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Thighs Recipe Faqs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in? Yes! Boneless thighs cook a bit faster, so start checking for doneness around the 14–16 minute mark.

Do I need to marinate the chicken in ranch seasoning? No marinating is required—just rub the ranch seasoning on before cooking and you’re good to go!

Can I use bottled ranch dressing instead of dry mix? It’s best to use dry ranch seasoning for a crispier texture. Bottled ranch may make the chicken too wet for proper air frying.

How do I know when the chicken is done? Use a meat thermometer—chicken thighs are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Can I double the recipe? Yes, but cook in batches. Overcrowding the air fryer can lead to uneven cooking and less crispy results.

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Crispy air fryer ranch chicken thighs served on a plate with fresh herbs.

Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Thighs

3.84 from 6 votes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings

Description

Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Thighs are crispy, juicy, and bursting with ranch flavor—an easy, delicious dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients 

  • 4 chicken thighs, boneless or bone-in
  • 1 package ranch seasoning, dry mix
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper, to taste

Instructions

  • Start by preheating your air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F, air fryer setting. Then pat your chicken dry with a paper towel or kitchen towel. Next, rub the chicken thighs with ranch dressing and then place the seasoned chicken thighs into the air fryer basket.
  • Set the cook time for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway during the cooking process.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Before removing, it should be 165 degrees F.

Equipment

  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Notes

Here’s a simple and delicious homemade dry ranch dressing mix recipe:
  • 2 tablespoons dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
  • 1 teaspoon dried chives
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried onion flakes
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients until well combined.
  2. Transfer the mixture to an airtight container or a sealable jar.
  3. Store in a cool, dry place.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 249kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 18gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 111mgSodium: 378mgPotassium: 238mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 0.01gVitamin A: 94IUVitamin C: 0.01mgCalcium: 14mgIron: 1mg

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Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Thighs