Try our easy and delicious Air Fryer Chicken Thighs recipe! With bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs seasoned with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper, these crispy delights are a breeze to make. Preheat your air fryer, rub the spice mix onto the chicken, and let the magic happen. In just minutes, you’ll have tender, juicy, and perfectly crispy chicken thighs that everyone will love. Enjoy a healthier version of fried chicken without sacrificing flavor. A must-try for any home cook!
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
As a devoted housewife, I’m always on the lookout for easy and delicious recipes to serve to my family. One dish that never fails to impress is the delightful Air Fryer Chicken Thighs. These succulent and flavorful chicken thighs come out of the air fryer with a crispy golden brown skin that will leave you craving for more! Today, I’ll be sharing my go-to recipe and some tips to ensure you get the best results every time you make this dish.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
There are countless reasons why I adore this recipe, and I’m sure you will too! First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy days when you want to put a scrumptious meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. The air fryer is truly a game-changer, as it allows the chicken thighs to achieve that signature crispy texture without the need for excessive oil. This means a healthier version of fried chicken that doesn’t sacrifice on taste.
What are The Ingredients For Chicken Thighs
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and minimal ingredients. For four mouthwatering servings, you will need. To make these mouthwatering Air Fryer Chicken Thighs, you’ll need four bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. Additionally, gather the following flavorful spices: one tablespoon of olive oil, one teaspoon of garlic powder, one teaspoon of paprika, half a teaspoon of salt, and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. These simple ingredients come together to create a tantalizing blend of flavors that will elevate your chicken thighs to a whole new level.
How to Make Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer
There some simple steps to make crispy chicken thigs in the air fryer:
Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This preheating step is essential to ensure that the air fryer is at the right temperature when you put the chicken thighs in. It helps create that perfectly crispy skin that we all love.
Prepare the Spice Blend
While the air fryer is heating up, take a small bowl and combine the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix them well together until the spices are evenly distributed. This spice blend will be the secret to elevating the flavor of your chicken thighs to new heights.
Pat Dry the Chicken Thighs
Before seasoning the chicken thighs, it’s crucial to pat them dry with a paper towel. This step removes any excess moisture from the skin, allowing it to crisp up beautifully during the cooking process.
Season the Chicken Thighs
Now, it’s time to add some flavor! Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken thighs and make sure they are evenly coated. This not only adds richness but also helps the spice blend stick to the chicken. Next, generously sprinkle the prepared spice blend over the chicken thighs, making sure to rub it into the skin for maximum flavor absorption. Don’t be shy with the spices; they’ll work wonders to create a mouthwatering crust.
Arrange the Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer
With the chicken thighs nicely seasoned, it’s time to place them in the air fryer basket. Make sure to arrange them with the skin side down. This allows the skin to cook evenly and become beautifully crispy. It’s essential not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave some space between each thigh to ensure proper airflow and even cooking. If you need to cook more than four thighs, you may need to do this in batches.
Air Fry the Chicken Thighs
Slide the air fryer basket back into the preheated air fryer, and set the timer for 10 minutes. Cooking at 400°F (200°C) for the initial 10 minutes helps seal in the chicken’s juices, resulting in tender, moist meat.
Flip and Continue Cooking
After the first 10 minutes are up, carefully flip the chicken thighs with tongs. Now, air fry them for an additional 8-10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures that the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat. Keep an eye on the chicken during the last few minutes to achieve that perfect golden brown, crispy skin.
Rest and Serve
Once the chicken thighs are fully cooked and irresistibly crispy, remove them from the air fryer. Let them rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring each bite is as flavorful as can be.
Tips to Make the Best Recipe
- For even more flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in the spice blend and olive oil for about 30 minutes before cooking.
- If you prefer an extra crispy skin, you can lightly spray the chicken thighs with cooking spray before placing them in the air fryer.
- Customize the spice blend to your taste by adding different herbs and spices, like cayenne pepper for some heat or smoked paprika for a smoky twist.
- Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken thighs, so always use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach the proper internal temperature.
Storage Tips
If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to retain their delightful crispiness before enjoying them again.
Need more Air Fryer Recipes? Try these:
- Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
- Air Fryer Creamy Garlic Chicken
- Air Fryer Scotch Eggs
- Air Fryer Potato Chips
- Air Fryer Victoria Sponge Cake
Click here for my entire collection of Air Fryer Recipes
With these simple instructions and helpful tips, you’ll be able to create the most amazing Air Fryer Chicken Thighs that will have your family asking for seconds and thirds! Enjoy the flavorful and guilt-free delight that this recipe brings to your dinner table. Happy cooking!
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
- Rub the chicken thighs with olive oil, making sure to coat them evenly.
- Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken thighs, rubbing it into the skin.
- Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin side down. Make sure they are not touching each other to allow for even cooking.
- Cook the chicken thighs at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, flip the chicken thighs and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy and golden brown.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Never seen this kind of delicious recipe before. Thanks for sharing xx
Thanks for sharing, can’t wait to try!
great. I will try this.
Lorraine M
I will be making these chicken pieces,I love to marinate my chicken.
Thank you for sharing.
My AirFryer doesn’t have a button to preheat, and it doesn’t have a basket, it has racks, my question is: would I be able to use two racks to cook my thighs at the same time?
Yes you can. My AF has racks and it’s brilliant.