These crispy air fryer chicken thighs are juicy and tender and so easy to make! They cook up in under 20 minutes making them perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
Crispy, juicy, and full of flavor, these air fryer chicken thighs are a total game-changer. The air fryer works its magic to create perfectly golden skin while locking in all the juices, and the smoky spice rub takes them to the next level. This is the kind of recipe that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort, making it a staple in my kitchen.
If you’re loving air fryer chicken recipes, you might also enjoy my air fryer chicken tenders—they’re so simple and always a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless clean-up: Cooking chicken thighs in the air fryer means less mess compared to stovetop or oven methods. No grease splatters to deal with!
- Healthier than frying: You’ll get that crispy skin without needing a ton of oil, making this a lighter option that still tastes indulgent.
- Kid-approved: The mild, smoky seasoning is flavorful but not overwhelming, making it a hit with both kids and adults.
- Meal prep-friendly: These chicken thighs store well and reheat beautifully, so they’re perfect for prepping ahead for busy weeks.
Ingredients Needed
- chicken thighs – bone-in, skin-on thighs are the star of this recipe. The skin gets perfectly crispy while the meat stays juicy. Trust me, they’re irresistible!
- olive oil – helps the seasonings stick and gives the skin that golden, crispy perfection.
- garlic powder – because everything is better with a little garlicky goodness, right?
- paprika – sweet or smoked paprika adds a hint of smokiness and that gorgeous red hue.
- onion powder – subtle but so necessary for that extra layer of flavor.
- oregano and thyme – these dried herbs add a touch of earthiness and make the seasoning blend pop.
- salt and pepper – don’t underestimate the basics! They bring out all the flavors.
- cayenne pepper – totally optional, but if you’re feeling spicy, a little cayenne gives it just the right kick.
Variations
- Herby: Swap the oregano and thyme for Italian seasoning, or sprinkle fresh rosemary and parsley on top after cooking for a burst of freshness.
- Lemon Garlic: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the chicken right before serving adds a bright, citrusy touch that pairs beautifully with the garlic and paprika.
- BBQ-Inspired: Use a smoky BBQ seasoning blend in place of the paprika and serve with my air fryer sweet potato fries for a simple BBQ-style dinner.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Step 1: Combine seasonings in a large bowl.
Step 2: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Drizzle oil over chicken thighs.
Step 3: Add chicken to the bowl with the seasonings and toss to coat, using your hands to rub the seasonings in.
Step 4: Add chicken thighs to a preheated air fryer basket, skin side down. Ideally, the chicken thighs aren’t touching. If they are, you may want to cook them in batches. Cook for about 10 minutes, flip and continue cooking for 7-8 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and crisp. Remove from air fryer and let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Brittany’s Tips!
- Pat the chicken dry: Don’t skip this step! Dry skin = crispy skin. Use paper towels to remove any excess moisture before seasoning.
- Get under the skin: Gently rub the seasoning under the chicken skin for maximum flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Give the thighs room to breathe. If they’re too close together, they’ll steam instead of crisp up. Cook in batches if needed, your patience will be rewarded.
- Let them rest: After cooking, let the chicken thighs rest for 5 minutes. It keeps the juices locked in and makes every bite extra juicy.
How to Serve
The beauty of this air fryer recipe is that it produces super flavorful chicken that you can use in a variety of ways! Here are some ideas for easy week night dinners and meal prep!
How to Store Leftovers
Air fryer chicken thighs are the perfect meal prep option and will store both in the fridge and the freezer nicely!
- In the fridge: Just prepare the chicken as the recipe states, let it cool slightly and then put it in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, warm the chicken in the oven or air fryer at 350ºF until warm throughout.
- In the freezer: If you are going to freeze it, I suggest portioning out your chicken ahead of time and freezing individually, that way you can just take out the container or ziplock containing what you need instead of all of it at once! Even better? Pre-shred or chop for easier defrosting. The chicken will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use your freezer air fryer chicken, place it in the fridge about 24 hours before you want to use it so it has time to thaw.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, boneless chicken thighs will work, but they may cook faster than bone-in thighs. Keep an eye on them and check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
No, but the skin adds amazing crispiness! If you prefer skinless thighs, the recipe will still work, they just won’t have that crispy texture.
Yes, you can bake the chicken thighs in the oven. Preheat to 400°F and bake on a wire rack set over a baking sheet for about 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through.
More Air Fryer Recipes
Be sure to check out the full collection of the air fryer recipes here on EBF!
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Combine seasonings in a large bowl.
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Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels then drizzle oil over chicken thighs.
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Add chicken to the bowl with the seasonings and toss to coat, using your hands to rub the seasonings in. Make sure to get under the skin as well for extra flavor.
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Preheat air fryer at 375°F for 3-5 minutes.
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Add chicken thighs, skin side down to your air fryer basket. Ideally, the chicken thighs aren’t touching. If they are, you may want to cook them in batches. Cook for about 10 minutes, flip and continue cooking for 7-8 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and crisp.
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Remove from air fryer and let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
- Storing: Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Serving: 1 chicken thigh | Calories: 307kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 589mg | Potassium: 133mg | Fiber: 5g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
