These air fryer chicken thighs are one of my favorite quick and easy dinners to make when I’m feeling uninspired. Simple seasonings really make this chicken pop, and the air fryer makes them so crispy and delicious. No matter when I make them, my family is always happy to devour them! They make me feel like supermom with so little effort!
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My air fryer is quickly becoming my favorite kitchen appliance. It makes everything so much easier and healthier– and super crispy, too! Seasoned simply and coated with olive oil, these air fryer chicken thighs are ridiculously juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. They take less than 30 minutes from start to finish, making them one of my absolute favorite easy weeknight dinners!
What’s in This Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe?
- Chicken Thighs: I tested this recipe with bone-in, skin-on thighs. This is my favorite option for juicy, crispy chicken! Boneless thighs will cook through faster, so check the temperature about 5 minutes earlier.
- Oil: I coated my thighs in olive oil to help the seasonings stick and to crisp up the skin.
- Spices: I used a mix of salt, white pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to create a savory coating.
Tips for Success
- The thighs should be at room temperature when you put them in the air fryer. I like to take them out of the fridge 30 minutes before I plan to cook them so that they cook through evenly.
- Preheat the fryer before adding the chicken so that it cooks evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. If you want to double the recipe, I recommend cooking the chicken in two batches.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover air fryer chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. I like to wrap each thigh separately in foil to help keep moisture off the skin. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a 350°F air fryer for 4-6 minutes, or until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
These simply-seasoned, crispy air fryer chicken thighs make the perfect main dish for any meal. I love to serve them with air fryer corn on the cob, cornbread, and sweet potato fries.
5-Star Review
“These chicken thighs were so delicious. Easy recipe, quick cooking with the air fryer-can’t beat that!!” -Cheryl
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe
Equipment
- Air Fryer (click for my favorite)
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Combine the seasonings in a bowl.½ teaspoon white pepper, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon ground paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Coat the chicken thighs in olive oil on one side. Rub seasonings on chicken thighs.4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, 4 tablespoons olive oil
- Flip the thighs and coat with remaining olive oil and seasonings.
- Spray basket with non stick cooking spray.
- Place chicken thighs into basket and cook for 15 minutes, skin side up.
- Flip chicken thighs and cook 3-4 minutes skin side down, or until internal chicken temperature has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove chicken thighs from the air fryer and serve immediately.
Video
Becky’s Tips
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment!
How to Air Fry Chicken Thighs Step by Step
Mix the Seasonings: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Combine ½ teaspoon of white pepper, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, 1 teaspoon of ground paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper in a bowl.
Season the Thighs: Coat 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs in 2 tablespoons of olive oil on one side. Rub half of the seasonings on the chicken thighs. Flip the thighs and coat with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and seasonings.
Cook the Thighs: Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray. Place the chicken thighs into the basket and cook for 15 minutes, skin side up.
Flip and Cook: Flip chicken thighs and cook for 3-4 minutes, skin side down, or until the internal chicken temperature has reached 165°F. Remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and serve immediately.
Very straight forward, easy and very tasty
Very good and easy
I think this recipe got it backwards. Why start with the skin down and then flip it so the juices run into the skin and make it uncrispy again? No. The trick is to reverse and start with the skin down and then flip it so the skin can crisp up. The recipe does not suck in other regards.
These chicken thighs were so delicious. Easy recipe, quick cooking with the air fryer-can’t beat that!!
Incredibly good! Perfect in every way… I added a bit of lemon juice too
Will definitely make frequently
Thank you
Thanks for dropping by and sharing, Marya!
Omgosh! My first air fried chicken and it is delicious!! Definitely will be making this recipe again! I’m so excited to make more rookie recipes. My fryer took longer than 20 minutes though…but im not a huge chicken fan, but these, these are a game changer.
.yuuummmy
Those look amazing, Penny!
Very tasty. This is the first time to cook in my air fryer. I was afraid the smoked paprika would overpower other flavors but you really don’t even realize it’s in there. My chicken thigh was a little larger than the one she must’ve used but I just cooked it few minutes longer. Definitely recommend a good instant read thermometer if you use an air fryer to cook protein. Better than baked because the skin renders more fat and is very crispy.
Thanks for sharing, Deborah!
My first use of our just purchased air fryer. We had air fried chicken at a friends home and thought it was really good. This was perfect. Easy and delicious. We will only have air fried chicken from now on.
Air fryers open up a whole new world!
These were very good and quick. Fried taste & texture but healthy.
Happy to hear you enjoyed it!
My husband said save this recipe it is delightful. I used boneless thighs and cooked a few minutes less. Definitely a keeper
Thanks for sharing, Janet!!