Here’s a quick and delicious recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Thighs — crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor. Perfect for a weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup!
🍗 Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 18–22 minutes
Total Time: ~25–30 minutes
📝 Ingredients
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4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
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½ tsp onion powder
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Optional: ¼ tsp cayenne pepper or chili flakes for heat
🔪 Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken:
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Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels (this helps them crisp up).
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In a bowl, rub thighs with olive oil and seasonings, coating evenly.
2. Preheat the Air Fryer:
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Set air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes.
3. Cook:
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Place chicken thighs skin-side down in a single layer in the basket (don’t overcrowd).
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Air fry for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for another 8–12 minutes, until:
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Skin is crispy and golden
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Internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C)
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4. Rest & Serve:
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Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving. Serve with your favorite sides.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
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Sides: Roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, salad, rice
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Sauces: Garlic aioli, BBQ sauce, chimichurri, or hot honey
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Add-on: Toss cooked thighs in buffalo or teriyaki sauce for extra flavor
💡 Tips
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Use boneless, skinless thighs if you want a quicker option (cook for ~14–16 min)
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For extra crispy skin, spritz the chicken with oil before air frying
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Want to marinate? Use a yogurt-based or citrus-herb marinade for 1–2 hours before cooking
Would you like a boneless version, Asian-glazed variation, or low-carb/keto side ideas to go with it?