Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs: Flavorful & Quick (Print Version)
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs: Youll love these perfect, crispy, flavorful thighs! Get juicy chicken with golden skin, ideal for quick weeknight dinners.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 22 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
Boneless, Skin-On Chicken Thighs (6-8)
02 -
Olive Oil (1 tablespoon)
→ Seasonings & Spices
03 -
Smoked Paprika (1 teaspoon)
04 -
Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon)
05 -
Onion Powder (1/2 teaspoon)
06 -
Dried Oregano (1/2 teaspoon)
07 -
Salt (3/4 teaspoon, or to taste)
08 -
Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon, freshly ground)
→ Finishing Touches
09 -
Lemon Wedges (for serving, optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get those chicken thighs ready! Pat them *super* dry with paper towels. Honestly, this is the most crucial step for crispy skin. If they're damp, they'll steam, and we want crisp, not soggy, right? Then, trim off any excess fat – I usually just snip off the really floppy bits. You want a nice, even surface for cooking. This is where I always get a bit messy, chicken juices everywhere, oops!
02 -
In a medium bowl, or right on a plate if you're feeling minimalist like me, drizzle the chicken thighs with olive oil. Then, sprinkle generously with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands – yes, get in there! – to rub that seasoning into every nook and cranny. Make sure both sides are coated. I sometimes hum a little tune while doing this, it just feels therapeutic, you know?
03 -
This step is often overlooked, but it makes a difference! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. While it's preheating, I usually clear my counter of all the spice jars I've used. This ensures your air fryer chicken thighs start cooking immediately at the right temperature, leading to better crispness from the get-go. It's like preheating an oven, but faster!
04 -
Once preheated, lightly spray the air fryer basket with a little more olive oil or non-stick spray – remember my sticky chicken disaster? Don't be like me! Carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer, skin-side up. Do not overcrowd the basket. If they're too close, they won't crisp up properly. You might need to cook them in batches, which is totally fine, a little patience goes a long way for perfectly crispy air fryer chicken thighs.
05 -
Cook the chicken thighs for 10 minutes, then carefully flip them over. Continue cooking for another 8-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. The skin should be beautifully golden brown and super crispy. The smell filling your kitchen right now? That's pure magic, I tell ya! Keep an eye on them, air fryers can vary.
06 -
Once cooked, transfer the air fryer chicken thighs to a cutting board or plate and let them rest for 5 minutes. This little break allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender and moist. Honestly, it's hard to wait, but it's worth it! A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top before serving? Chef's kiss! These air fryer chicken thighs are ready to be devoured.
# Notes:
01 -
Patting the chicken thighs *really* dry is the absolute secret to crispy skin; don't skip this step!
02 -
Never overcrowd your air fryer basket, otherwise, your air fryer chicken thighs will steam instead of crisp, which is a tragedy.
03 -
Always let your chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking; it makes a huge difference in juiciness.
04 -
A quick spritz of oil halfway through cooking helps achieve ultimate crispness.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Air fryer
02 -
meat thermometer
03 -
mixing bowl
04 -
tongs
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 400 kcal
Total Fat: 30 g
Total Carbohydrate: 3 g
Protein: 35 g