Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are so easy, flavorful and juicy! They’re incredibly versatile and always turn out so tender with the best crispy skin. These chicken thighs are the best simple entree to make for dinner!Â
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
We love Chicken Thighs around here. So given the chance, why wouldn’t we want to take one of our favorite budget-friendly foods and find a way to make it even easier to prepare? And so air fryer chicken thighs have arrived. This recipe cuts the cook time way down and the prep is under 5 minutes. Make your seasoning blend or save even more time and use a premade variety. Rub the blend in, arrange in the air fryer, and set for 20 minutes.The chicken thighs come out perfectly seasoned, juicy, and crispy every time. This recipe is so versatile you can quickly cook up this chicken to complete any meal. Change up the flavor profile to fit your side dishes. Air fryer chicken thighs are easily becoming a staple in our house and it’s sure to become one in yours too!
Looking for more ways to cook up some juicy chicken? Try these classic Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs, or get out the instant pot and whip up my highly favored Honey Sesame Instant Pot Chicken Thighs!
Do I have to use bone in chicken thighs?
I like to use bone in and skin on for this recipe. However, you can use boneless and/or skinless thighs depending on what you have on hand or what you like. Chicken thighs are super flavorful so definitely give them a try when you’re tired of your typical chicken breast meat. If using the boneless variety, you may need to lessen the cook time. Just keep an eye on them and remember that any kind of chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe serving.
How To Make Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Preheat. Set your oven to 370°F.
- Create the seasoning blend. Whisk together the onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until blended.
- Season the chicken. Dry the chicken thighs with a paper towel making sure no moisture remains. Then liberally season the chicken on all sides with the spice blend. Rub in the spices to ensure the flavor really sinks in.
- Arrange the chicken in the air fryer basket. Spray the fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray. Place the chicken thighs in the basket with the skin down. Make sure they don’t overlap.
- Cook the chicken. Cook the chicken for 20 minutes, flipping them over at the 10 minute mark.
- Garnish and serve. Once cooked, allow the chicken to cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh oregano and serve. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes for Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Chicken – Patting the thighs dry with paper towels is a must. The moisture in the meat is what prevents them from getting nice and crispy so you want to eliminate that before the seasoning rub gets added. Be sure to trim off extra fat as well.
- Seasoning – You can absolutely customize the blend to your tastes. Throw in some lemon pepper, try a maple flavor, or get experimental with something like Thai chili or ranch seasoning! The combinations are endless! Comment below and let me know what worked out best for you.
- Storing Leftover Thighs For Later – Store leftover air fryer chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat them in the (you guessed it) air fryer for just a few minutes to reheat!Â
Enjoy!
~Nichole
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- 2-3 Pounds Bone in Skin on Chicken Thighs (or 4 thighs), with the fat trimmed
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 370 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Whisk all the spices together in a small bowl and set aside.
- Dry the chicken thighs very well with paper towels then season all sides with the spice blend and rub it in.
- Spray the basket with non-stick spray then place the chicken in the basket, skin side down and not overlapping each other.
- Cook in the air fryer at 370 degrees for 20 minutes, flipping them over halfway through.
- Let them cool for 5 minutes before garnishing the fresh oregano leaves if desired and serving.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Hello! What would you recommend adjusting the cooking time to with boneless chicken thighs? Excited to try these!