Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with flavor, these Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are the perfect easy dinner option. With simple seasonings and minimal prep, you can have a delicious, satisfying meal on the table in under 30 minutes. The air fryer locks in moisture while creating a golden, crispy skin—no need for deep frying or messy cleanups!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy & Juicy – Perfectly seasoned chicken with a crunchy outside and tender inside.
Quick and Easy – Done in about 25 minutes with basic pantry ingredients.
Healthier Option – Crispy chicken without the extra oil from deep frying.
Versatile – Great for meal prep, salads, wraps, or served as a main dish.
Minimal Clean-Up – Everything is cooked in the air fryer basket.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless if you prefer)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Optional Add-Ins:

• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (for heat)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar (for a hint of sweetness)
• Fresh lemon wedges for serving

Tools You’ll Need
Air fryer
Mixing bowl
Tongs
Paper towels
Measuring spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken Thighs

1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels—this helps them get super crispy.
2. Place the chicken in a large bowl.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

1. In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over the chicken thighs, rubbing it in to coat all sides.

Step 3: Preheat and Arrange in Air Fryer

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
2. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
3. Don’t overcrowd—cook in batches if needed.

Step 4: Cook to Crispy Perfection

1. Air fry for 12 minutes, then flip the thighs skin-side up.
2. Continue air frying for another 8-10 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Rest and Serve

1. Let the chicken thighs rest for 5 minutes after cooking.
2. Serve hot with fresh lemon wedges, herbs, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Dry Thoroughly – Moisture prevents crispiness, so pat dry well before seasoning.
Use Bone-In, Skin-On – For maximum flavor and crispy texture.
Don’t Overcrowd – Leave space between thighs for even air circulation.
Flip Halfway – Helps achieve evenly crispy skin on both sides.
Use a Thermometer – Ensures juicy chicken without overcooking.

Serving Suggestions
Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad.
Add to wraps, sandwiches, or grain bowls for a hearty lunch.
Pair with air fryer fries, sweet potato wedges, or rice pilaf.
Top with a drizzle of honey or hot sauce for extra flavor.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Let chicken cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

• Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 5-6 minutes until hot and crispy.
• Oven: Bake at 375°F for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Quick but can soften the skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
   Yes! Reduce the cooking time slightly—start checking at around 16 minutes total.
2. Can I marinate the chicken first?
   Absolutely! A buttermilk or yogurt-based marinade works great—just pat dry before air frying for maximum crisp.
3. What if I want them spicier?
   Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or your favorite spicy seasoning blend to the rub.
4. Can I freeze cooked chicken thighs?
   Yes! Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer for best results.

Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are everything you want in a quick, satisfying meal—crispy, juicy, and bursting with flavor. Whether you serve them for a casual family dinner, meal prep lunches, or even a weekend cookout, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

Give them a try tonight—you’ll never believe how easy it is to make such crispy, delicious chicken at home!

Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 22 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 330 | Protein: 22g | Carbohydrates: 2g | Fat: 25g | Fiber: 0g | Sodium: 310mg

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