Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Thighs

Air fryers are great for making all sorts of quick and easy snacks, but have you tried using them for chicken thighs? The high heat crisps the skin to perfection while keeping the meat juicy and tender. 

Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Thighs-Sometimes you are just looking for an easy recipe for great easy crispy baked chicken thighs. Today, I took my oven-baked recipe and transferred it to an air fryer recipe, and they were juicy, and the crispy skin was amazing. Loads of flavor!

I used my mother’s recipe for the perfect seasoning mix and just rubbed some olive oil on top and then rubbed on the spice blend; it was super easy. If you were looking at making a quick recipe with chicken thighs, this is my go-to recipe. I usually have all of the seasonings on hand and always have Olive Oil, so it’s a great budget-friendly and quick meal that the entire family loves!

These are tender and juicy, everything that you want in an air fryer chicken thigh recipe. The result is an air fryer chicken thigh that has a crispy skin!

If you are looking for even more chicken recipes for the air fryer, here are some of my favorites, AIR FRYER LOADED BBQ CHICKEN NACHOS, EASY AIR FRYER CHICKEN SANDWICH (CHICK-FIL-A COPYCAT), and AIR FRYER CHICKEN CORDON BLEU.

Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Thighs

So, you are looking for the perfect air fryer chicken thigh recipe. It’s a request that I get asked a lot. I love a great and easy chicken recipe, for the air fryer, what is better?

Today, with a few spices and come olive oils, I transferred my chicken thighs into a crispy and delicious meal for my entire family. So, if you have been looking for some easy air fryer chicken recipes, this is one of the best!

This is one of the best easy weeknight dinner recipes! So, if you have been looking for an easy air fryer chicken thighs recipe, this will soon be one of your favorites! The hot air circulating around the chicken thighs, cook them up to perfection, and you only need a simple seasoning mix!

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Looking for a tasty and healthy dinner option? Look no further than air fryer chicken thighs! To make these delicious and crispy bites, you will need the following: This is a simple recipe so everyone can enjoy it!

Remember the full instructions and quantities below in the recipe card, at the bottom of this page.

• Chicken: Use either boneless or bone-in chicken thighs, a healthy option would be boneless skinless chicken thighs.
• Oil: Use olive oil, coconut oil, grapeseed oil, or avocado oil.
• Seasonings and Spices: Paprika, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Parsley, Salt, and Black Pepper

How To Cook Chicken Thighs In Air Fryer

In a small bowl, mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and black pepper.

Use your hands and lather on the olive oil, covering both sides. Rub the spice onto the chicken thighs, on both sides.

Place the chicken thighs into the air fryer basket, in a single layer, and cook for 20 to 25 minutes at 400 degrees F, air fryer setting,

Flip halfway. Start with the skin side down. Remove when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F, by using a meat thermometer and check the thickest part of the thigh. The cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken thighs.

Top Tips for Perfectly Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Thighs

If you’ve been wanting to try cooking chicken thighs in your air fryer, look no further! Here are some tips for achieving the perfect crispy outside and juicy inside every time.

• Dry The Chicken: Make sure to pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel before seasoning them, as this will help create a crispier crust.
• Oil: Use a high-heat cooking oil such as avocado or canola oil to coat the chicken before air frying.
• Flipping: Be sure to flip the thighs halfway through cooking for even browning on both sides.
• Cook Time: The cook time will depend if you are using boneless thighs or bone-in thighs.

With these simple tips, you’ll have delicious air fryer crispy chicken thighs in no time!

Frequently Asked Questions:

How long to cook chicken thighs in air fryer?

Cook the chicken thighs for 20 to 25 minutes, at 400 degrees F, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Watch the chicken carefully, so that you get juicy meat! The cooking time will vary based on how thick the chicken is, and what air fryer model you are using.

Can I use boneless chicken thighs in the air fryer?

Yes! This is a great way to make a; healthy recipe for the whole family. You will probably need to reduce the cooking time to 15-20 minutes.

Can I marinate my thighs instead?

Yes, if you want to use a marinate instead of a dry rub, that’s fine. They might not get as crispy as if you started with dry chicken, but the recipe will work the same.

How do I know when my chicken thighs are fully cooked?

You will know that the chicken is fully cooked when you stick an instant read thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken thigh, and when the thermometer reads 165 degrees F, you can safely remove the chicken thighs.

How to thaw chicken thighs

One of the most important steps in preparing chicken thighs is allowing them to thaw properly. The safest and most efficient method is to let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator, taking them out of the packaging and placing them on a plate or tray on a lower shelf to prevent potential cross-contamination with other food items.

If you need to thaw the chicken more quickly, submerge them in a bowl or sealable bag of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until they are fully thawed. Never use hot or warm water as this can lead to bacterial growth. Once thawed, make sure to cook the chicken immediately and do not refreeze it. Following these steps will ensure that you have delicious, safe chicken thighs every time.

Dry rub for chicken thighs

Are you tired of the same old grilled chicken? A dry rub is a perfect solution for adding some extra flavor to your poultry. Simply mix together your choice of spices, such as cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder, and rub them onto your chicken thighs before grilling, air frying, or baking. I love to use a simple dry rub with Italian seasoning or pick up one at the grocery store. There are so many chicken dry rubs that you can purchase. This will make for a quick meal!

How to store leftover chicken thighs

When storing leftover chicken thighs, it’s important to do so properly in order to prevent foodborne illness. First, let the thighs cool down to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container or wrapping them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then, place the container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking.

The chicken can be kept in the fridge for up to four days before either being eaten or frozen for later use. If freezing, make sure to label the container, or freezer bag with the date and use it within four months. When reheating thawed chicken, be sure that it reaches a temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit before consuming. Storing unused chicken properly can help ensure that it remains safe and delicious for later enjoyment.

More Air Fryer Chicken Thigh Recipes

If you’re a fan of the air fryer, chances are you’ve already mastered the art of crispy chicken wings and juicy drumsticks. But have you tried using your air fryer for chicken thighs? These dark meat cuts are perfect for the air fryer–they cook quickly and evenly, resulting in tender meat with a crispy skin. Need some inspiration for your next air fryer chicken thigh recipe?

Here are some of my favorite chicken thigh recipes:

• REHEAT CHICKEN THIGHS IN AIR FRYER
• AIR FRYER CHICKEN THIGH SCHNITZEL
• AIR FRYER TRADER JOE’S SHAWARMA CHICKEN THIGHS
• Easy AIR FRYER CHICKEN THIGHS WITH A HOMEMADE DRY RUB
• LEMON PEPPER AIR FRYER CHICKEN THIGHS