These air fryer chicken thighs are quick to make, full of flavor, and turn out reliably crisp on the outside and juicy inside. The simple seasoning mix uses common pantry spices and pairs well with almost any side. Cooking them in the air fryer means less mess and faster cook time compared to the oven, with no need to marinate or babysit the pan. They’re ideal for busy weeknights when you need a dependable protein that everyone will eat.
Ingredient Tips
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
- Chicken thighs: Use bone-in, skin-on for the best texture. Pat dry before seasoning to help the skin crisp.
- Avocado oil: Ideal for air frying due to its high smoke point. You can substitute with canola or grapeseed oil.
- Paprika: Use smoked paprika for deeper flavor; sweet paprika works if you want a milder taste.
- Thyme: Dried thyme adds earthy flavor, but if you don’t like it, dried oregano or Italian seasoning can be used instead.
- Salt: Use kosher salt for more even seasoning coverage.
- Black pepper: Use freshly ground for the most flavor.
Useful Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Cook in batches if needed so the air can circulate and crisp the skin.
- Use a meat thermometer: Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to avoid overcooking.
- Flip halfway: This ensures even cooking and crispiness on both sides.
- Dry the skin: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning for better browning.
- Adjust cook time: Larger thighs may need 1-2 extra minutes; smaller ones may finish sooner.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- Tongs or spatula
- Instant-read thermometer
Ingredients
- 8 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- 1½ tablespoons 22 ml avocado oil or any high-heat oil
- 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1½ teaspoons onion powder
- 1½ teaspoons dried thyme
- 1½ teaspoons paprika use smoked for more flavor
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Place the chicken thighs in a large mixing bowl.
- Drizzle with avocado oil, then sprinkle over the garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Toss until the chicken is evenly coated with oil and seasonings.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Work in batches if needed.
- Air fry for 10 minutes.
- Flip the chicken and cook for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Notes
- Chicken thighs vary in size, so cook time may need slight adjustment.
- For even crispier skin, pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning.
- If using boneless thighs, reduce the cooking time slightly and monitor doneness with a thermometer.
Nutrition
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
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