These are Air fryer Chicken thighs Cook to ripe, crispy perfection in just 30 minutes! This is a quick and easy chicken recipe, and super versatile. Change the flavor and seasoning any way you like.
Looking for more chicken drumstick recipes? Try this flavor-packed one Honey Chipotle Skillet Chicken!
Why I Love These Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
These juicy, crispy air fryer chicken thighs are easy to cook and so versatile! I regularly use my air fryer on weeknights and this quick chicken recipe is one of my family's favorites. Here's why:
- Simple cooking method. The air fryer may be the easiest way to cook chicken. I use it to make everything from it Chicken tenders from Popcorn Chicken And the juiciest crispy chicken thighs. It's fast, mess-free and virtually foolproof.
- fully ripe All you need are 5 ingredients (plus salt and pepper) to make an easy chicken marinade. The flavors are garlicky, smoky and savory.
- So crisp. These boneless chicken thighs crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. High heat circulates as they cook, browning the outside to a golden crust and keeping the inside of the chicken juicy.
Materials you will need
Here are some ingredient notes to get you started with the recipe. Scroll down to the recipe card below the post for a printable list with measurements and recipe details.
- chicken thighs – I use boneless, skin-on chicken thighs. If you are using bone-in chicken thighs, you will need to increase the cooking time.
- Olive oil – or cooking oil of your choice.
- Seasonings – I season my chicken thighs with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika (sweet or smoked), salt and pepper. Feel free to use your favorite chicken seasoning mix, either homemade or store bought.
How to Cook Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer
If you are familiar with your air fryer, I have a handy guide How to use an air fryer That might be helpful. You'll be a pro in no time! Here's how to make succulent air fryer boneless chicken thighs, and You will find printable instructions on the recipe card.
- Prepare the chicken. Using your hands, massage the oil and seasonings into the chicken until evenly coated.
- cooking Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the air fryer, skin side up. Cook at 390ºF for 10 minutes, flip and cook for another 10 minutes or until cooked through.
- Rest and serve. Let the chicken rest outside the air fryer for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Enjoy!
Oven method
If you don't have an air fryer, these chicken thighs are also great in the oven. Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400ºF for 35-45 minutes. You can check me out Instant Pot Chicken Thighs For another easy cooking method.
Tips and variations
- If you use bone-in chicken thighs, You need to increase the air frying time by about 2 minutes per side.
- Avoid non-stick cooking spray. Do not use PAM and other non-stick sprays in the air fryer, as they will smoke and may damage the basket. There is enough oil in this chicken that it is not needed.
- How to tell when chicken thighs are done: These air fryer chicken thighs are done when the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reads 175ºF on an instant-read thermometer. Check the temperature in the thickest part of the chicken.
- Change the seasoning. You can season this chicken spice mix with your choice. Try Cajun seasoning or black pepper, or you can use Italian seasoning.
Storing and reheating leftovers
- Keep in fridge. Leftover air fryer chicken thighs can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Reheat. Reheat the chicken thighs in a 350ºF oven, or return them to the air fryer until they are heated through.
- to freeze Freeze leftover chicken for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
description
These are Air fryer chicken thighs Cook to ripe, crispy perfection in just 30 minutes! Change the flavor and seasoning any way you like.
- 1 3/4 pound boneless chicken thighs, about 4 medium thighs (skin-on or skinless)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 1/2 tsp Dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Smoked paprika
- Preheat your air fryer to 390ºF.
- Place the chicken thighs in a medium bowl and pour the olive oil over the top. Sprinkle the spices over the chicken, then use your hands to make sure both sides are evenly coated with the oil and spices.
- Place chicken thighs in air fryer basket (no wire rack), skin side up. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip and cook skin side down for another 10-12 minutes. Chicken is done when the skin is crispy and the internal temperature registers 175ºF with an instant-read thermometer. Don't add PAM to the air fryer as it will smoke, the chicken has enough oil that doesn't need it.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then serve with your choice of side.
Note
- Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 400ºF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Parchment paper. Place the chicken on the sheet and bake for 35-45 minutes, until it registers 175ºF with an instant-read thermometer.
