Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
If you are looking for a simple way to cook bone-in chicken thighs, the air fryer delivers a crispy, crunchy skin and a juicy interior.
This method requires only a few standard pantry spices and a brief preheat to achieve consistent results.
The process is highly practical for a quick 25-minute cooking session.
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple pantry seasoning blend.
- Quick 3-minute preheat.
- Crispy skin and juicy interior.
- Easy preparation in a single bowl.
- Uses an instant-read thermometer for accurate doneness.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
4
servings5
minutes18
minutes25
minutesA super simple 25-minute recipe for making juicy bone-in chicken thighs with a crispy skin using a basic pantry seasoning blend.
Ingredients
4 bone-in chicken thighs
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
2 tsp paprika
3 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp brown sugar
Directions
- Use a paper towel to pat 4 bone-in chicken thighs dry, then place them into a medium sized bowl.
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the chicken and mix it in using your clean hands.
- In a small bowl, combine 1 tsp salt, 2 tsp paprika, 3 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 1 tsp brown sugar using a fork.
- Sprinkle the seasoning into the bowl of chicken and use tongs to toss everything together until the chicken is fully coated.
- Preheat your basket air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit for about 3 minutes.
- Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the basket of the air fryer and cook at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes.
- Flip the chicken over and continue to cook for 7 to 8 more minutes.
- Remove the chicken when the internal temperature of the meat reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit on an instant-read thermometer.
Recipe Video
Notes
- You can cook the chicken right away, or for better flavor, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight to marinate. Because carryover cooking can vary, verify that the thickest part remains at least 165°F before serving.
How to Know When It’s Done
The most reliable way to check for doneness is by inserting an instant-read meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh.
The chicken is ready to be removed when the internal temperature reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Variations Demonstrated in the Recipe
While this recipe can be cooked immediately after tossing the chicken in the oil and seasonings, you can also cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate overnight in the refrigerator for a deeper flavor.
