🍗 Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

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

🛒 Ingredients

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

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Pat the chicken dry. Use paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible, especially from the skin.
2. Season: Brush the thighs lightly with olive oil. Mix the seasonings together and rub them evenly over the chicken.
3. Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 3 minutes, if recommended for your model.
4. Arrange: Place the chicken thighs in the basket skin-side down, leaving space between them.
5. Cook: Air fry for 12 minutes.
6. Flip: Turn the thighs skin-side up.
7. Continue cooking for another 10–15 minutes, until golden and crispy.
8. Check the temperature: The thickest part should reach at least 165°F (74°C) without touching the bone.
9. For extra-crispy skin, increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the final 2–3 minutes.
10. Rest: Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

🔥 Tips for Extra-Crispy Skin

• Dry the chicken very thoroughly before seasoning.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket.
• Keep the skin exposed to the circulating hot air.
• Use only a small amount of oil.
• Don’t add wet sauces until the chicken is almost finished.
• Chicken thighs are forgiving and can be cooked beyond 165°F; dark meat often becomes especially tender around 175–185°F (79–85°C).

🧄 Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

During the final few minutes, brush the cooked chicken with:

• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1 minced garlic clove
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley

Return to the air fryer for 1–2 minutes.

🍋 Lemon Herb Version

After cooking, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the thighs and sprinkle with parsley, thyme, and black pepper.

🌶️ Spicy Version

Add ¼–½ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the seasoning mixture. Smoked paprika also gives the chicken a delicious smoky flavor.

🍯 Honey Garlic Glaze

Mix:

• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 minced garlic clove

Brush over the chicken during the final 1–2 minutes. Keep a close eye on it because honey can brown quickly.

❄️ Boneless Chicken Thighs

For boneless, skinless thighs, try:

380°F (193°C) for approximately 15–20 minutes, turning halfway through.

The exact time depends on thickness. Always check the thickest piece with a thermometer.

🍽️ What to Serve With Chicken Thighs

Try them with:

• 🥔 Air fryer roasted potatoes
• 🍠 Baked sweet potatoes
• 🥕 Air fryer carrots
• 🥦 Broccoli
• 🍚 Rice
• 🥗 Fresh salad
• 🫛 Green beans
• 🧄 Garlic bread

♨️ Reheating Leftovers

Air fry refrigerated chicken thighs at 350°F (175°C) for 5–8 minutes, or until heated through.

For crispier skin, finish at 400°F (200°C) for 1–2 minutes.

⏱️ 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

⭐ Best tip: Dry the chicken skin extremely well and don’t overcrowd the basket. Those two simple steps make a huge difference when you’re aiming for crispy, golden chicken thighs.