🍗 Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

These Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are juicy and tender inside with wonderfully crispy, golden skin outside. They’re quick, flavorful, and perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.

🛒 Ingredients

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp smoked paprika, optional

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This is important for crispy skin.
2. Brush the thighs lightly with olive oil.
3. Mix all the seasonings together and rub them evenly over the chicken.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 3 minutes, if recommended for your model.
5. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the basket in a single layer.
6. Air fry for 12 minutes.
7. Flip the thighs so they are skin-side up.
8. Continue cooking for another 10–15 minutes, until the skin is crisp and the thickest part reaches at least 165°F (74°C).
9. For extra-crispy skin, cook for another 2–3 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
10. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🔥 Tips for Extra-Crispy Chicken Thighs

• Dry the skin extremely well before seasoning.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket.
• Keep the skin exposed to the hot circulating air.
• Use only a small amount of oil.
• Avoid adding wet sauces until the chicken is nearly finished.
• For the best texture, chicken thighs can be cooked beyond the minimum safe temperature; dark meat is often especially tender around 175–185°F (79–85°C).

🍯 Easy Honey Garlic Glaze

Mix together:

• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 minced garlic clove
• ½ tsp melted butter

Brush onto the cooked chicken during the final 1–2 minutes.

🌶️ Spicy Chicken Thighs

Add ¼–½ tsp cayenne pepper to the seasoning mixture for a delicious kick.

🍋 Lemon Garlic Chicken

After cooking, drizzle with fresh lemon juice and add a little minced parsley and garlic butter.

🥔 What to Serve With Them

These chicken thighs are delicious with:

• Air fryer roasted potatoes
• Crispy baby potatoes
• Air fryer carrots
• Broccoli
• Green beans
• Rice
• Fresh salad
• Coleslaw

❄️ Boneless Chicken Thighs

Boneless, skinless thighs cook faster. Try 380°F (193°C) for about 15–20 minutes, turning halfway through. Always check the thickest piece with a thermometer.

⏱️ Quick Recipe Card

Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 22–27 minutes
Temperature: 380°F / 193°C
Servings: 6
Difficulty: Easy
Safe minimum internal temperature: 165°F / 74°C

⭐ Secret to crispy thighs: Pat the skin completely dry before seasoning and don’t overcrowd the basket. That’s what helps the air fryer produce that irresistible crispy skin.