This Air Fryer Chicken Thighs recipe gives you super crispy chicken without the need to fry it! Pat your chicken thighs dry, then air roast them for about 16 minutes, turning them halfway through. As simple as that.
We love air frying chicken thighs and so will you! This is one of our favorite air fryer recipes and many of you have given it 5 stars and made it again and again.
If you are used to making baked chicken thighs or grilled chicken thighs nice and crispy, the air fryer will change your life. When I say they’re so crunchy, I mean it!
What you need for air fryer chicken thighs
Chicken Thighs (on the bone): For this recipe we use bone-in thighs. We love how juicy the insides get on bone-in thighs. Feel free to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if that’s your jam. We recommend reducing the cooking time by a few minutes on each side to avoid overcooking.
olive oil: Olive oil is used to make these chicken thighs nice and crispy. Feel free to swap it out for another oil.
Spices: The spice combination in this recipe is so delicious. We use salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, thyme and brown sugar.
Ideas for seasoning chicken!
If you have one of our homemade seasonings on hand, feel free to use about 1-2 tablespoons instead of the spices listed.
Variations and Substitutions
You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs in this recipe. Simply reduce the cooking time to 16-18 minutes depending on how thick your chicken thighs are.
Marinated chicken thighs in the air fryer are also delicious but may not come out as crispy due to the added moisture.
FAQ
How long should I cook chicken thighs in the air fryer?
Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook your chicken thighs for 16 minutes, turning them halfway through.
Can you put raw chicken in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook raw chicken in the air fryer. This is one of the best ways to get it nice and crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
How many minutes do you air fry chicken?
Depending on the size of the thighs, the chicken thighs will take about 16 to 20 minutes to prepare. Be sure to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for doneness.
How long do you air roast chicken thighs?
Cook the chicken thighs in the hot air fryer for 20 minutes at 200 °C, turning halfway through.
How do I know when my chicken thighs are fully cooked?
The best way to tell if your chicken thighs are fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Make sure the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken is 165°F.
Try it!
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storage
Once your chicken thighs have cooled, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-5 days.
To warm up: Air fry at 350°F for 2-3 minutes. Or put it in the microwave for about 60 seconds.
serving suggestions
Complement your meal with some of our most popular easy side dishes.
Crispy chicken thighs from the air fryer
Perfectly cooked, crispy air fryer chicken thighs are combined with bone-in chicken thighs and a delicious chicken seasoning.
Preparation:10 protocol
Cook:20 protocol
In total:30 protocol
instructions
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Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and spray the inside of the basket with non-stick cooking spray.
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Prepare the chicken by patting dry with a piece of paper towel.
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Place the garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and brown sugar in a bowl and mix until well combined. Then sprinkle the dry rub over the chicken thighs. Make sure the dry grater covers the entire chicken thigh.
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Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer, skin side down, and drizzle the chicken thighs with olive oil. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to do this in two passes.
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Set the air fryer to 8 minutes, flip the chicken thighs and cook the chicken thighs for an additional 6-10 minutes depending on the size of your thighs.
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When the internal temperature of the chicken is 160°F – 165°F and the skin is crispy, remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer. If you like your chicken thighs crispier, cook them an additional 2 minutes. Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes and enjoy.
tips and hints
- Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the chicken thighs.
- If using boneless, skinless thighs, reduce the cooking time by 2–4 minutes.
- For best results, do not stack chicken thighs in the air fryer.
nutritional information
Calories: 477kcal Carbohydrates: 3G Protein: 55G Fat: 27G Fiber: 1G Sugar: 2G
Photography: The photos captured in this post are by Erin from The Wooden Skillet.