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    Home » Appliance » Air Fryer Recipes

    Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

    Published: Mar 10, 2022 by Wendy Polisi Modified: Jun 22, 2022 · 1218 words. · About 7 minutes to read this article. This post may contain affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

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    Two close up photos of chicken thighs with the text that says Air Fryer Chicken Thighs in the middle.

    For an easy weeknight dinner that will bring everyone running to the table, these Air Fryer Chicken Thighs always do the trick! Thanks to the magic of the air fryer, the skin gets so irresistibly crispy while the meat stays perfectly juicy and tender. In my opinion, these are just as satisfying as deep-fried chicken, but they’re so much healthier! (Seriously, when the skin is this crispy, you’ll never miss the breading.) 

    Close up photo of a plate of air fryer chicken thighs garnished with parsley.

    We all love to indulge in fried chicken every now and again. It’s a classic for a reason! But what about when you’re craving crunchy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside chicken without all that excess oil or breading?

    Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are the perfect solution! The skin gets beautifully crispy while the meat stays so moist and flavorful. (So much better than using the oven.)

    And unlike deep-fried chicken, you only need a handful of ingredients and less than 30 minutes to make it.

    The air fryer is pure magic when it comes to crispy foods. You’ll use a fraction of the oil it takes for deep frying, but every bite is still oh-so-satisfying. 

    Once you try making Chicken Thighs in an air fryer, you’ll see what I mean. When the result is this crave-worthy, you’ll want to make it again and again!

    Ingredients for Making Chicken Thighs in an Air Fryer

    Photo of a plate of chicken thighs, a small dish of seasonings, and avocado oil spray.
    • Chicken Thighs — You’ll want about 2½ pounds of bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. If you use chicken breasts, you will need to adjust the cooking time. I recommend using a meat thermometer to ensure a perfect cook!
    • Seasoning — A simple mixture of oregano, thyme, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper will bring out the natural flavors of the thighs. Smoked paprika is also an option.
    • Oil — For cooking Chicken Thighs in the air fryer, I recommend using avocado oil due to its high smoke point. You could use olive oil, but I do not recommend extra virgin olive oil.

    Top Tips for Perfect Crispy Chicken Thighs

    • Pat the chicken dry to remove any excess moisture and ensure crispy skin. If the skin is still holding water, it won’t be able to fully crisp up in the air fryer.
    • Don’t skip the oil before putting the thighs in the air fryer basket. The hot air will basically fry the oil coating, which is what makes this dish so irresistible. My favorite cooking spray is avocado oil.
    • Make sure to flip the thighs halfway through to ensure they cook evenly and that both sides get as crispy as possible.

    Serving Suggestions

    • Add some creamy yumminess to your meal with kid-approved Quinoa Mac and Cheese!
    • This light and bright Instant Pot Red Potato Salad is nothing like the heavy potato salads you’re used to.
    • Mushroom Cauliflower Risotto is a no-fuss one-pan side dish that features creamy texture and bold flavors.

    Tools Needed to Make Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer

    As an Amazon Associate, I Earn From Qualified Sales

    • Small bowl
    • Measuring spoons
    • Air Fryer

    Storage

    Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

    I recommend reheating in the air fryer at 400° F until the thighs are warmed through and the skin is re-crisped.

    You can keep them in the freezer for up to three months.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How long does it take to cook chicken thighs in an air fryer?


    This is going to depend on the size and thickness of your chicken thighs. However, you can assume it will take between 16 and 18 minutes overall. Don’t forget to rest the chicken for at least five minutes afterwards!

    Can I use boneless chicken thighs in the air fryer?


    You bet! Just keep in mind that these will cook a little faster. To make air fryer boneless Chicken Thighs, follow the same instructions, but reduce the cooking time to 12-13 minutes. Make sure to flip halfway through!

    Can I marinate my thighs instead?


    Absolutely. Just add the seasonings to ⅓ cup of avocado oil to make the marinade. Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel, then marinate overnight before cooking as usual.

    How do I know when my chicken thighs are fully cooked?


    The best way to know if chicken is fully cooked is to use an Instant Read Thermometer. The chicken is done cooking when the internal temperature reaches 160° F.

    Why Isn’t My Chicken Crispy In The Air Fryer?


    There are a few reasons your air fryer bone-in Chicken Thighs might not be getting quite as crispy as you like. Let’s take a look at some of the common culprits.

    First, be certain you’re thoroughly patting the thighs dry before you do anything else. If there’s still excess moisture in the skin, the air fryer will never be able to crisp it up.

    Next, make sure you’re using air fryer best practices. For optimal results, always give the air fryer time to preheat before adding your food. You also never want to overcrowd the basket, because this can prevent the hot air from circulating properly.

    Finally, we want to give the chicken the best chance to crisp up and cook evenly. That means coating the thighs with avocado oil before cooking as well as rotating them halfway through the cook time.

    How to Make Air Fried Chicken Thighs

    Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.

    In a small bowl, combine the oregano, thyme, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the thighs.

    Overhead photo of a bowl of seasoning mix for chicken thighs.
    Photo of chicken thighs being dried with a paper towel.

    Allow the chicken to sit at room temperature for 1 hour, or refrigerate overnight. 

    Preheat the air fryer to 400° F.

    Coat the chicken thighs with avocado oil.

    Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer in a single layer with room for the air to circulate between each one. Work in batches if needed.

    Photo of a plate of seasoned chicken thighs.
    Photo of chicken thighs in an air fryer basket.

    Air fry for 8 minutes.

    Flip and cook for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160° F.

    Remove from the air fryer and allow to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

    More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes 

    • These Delicious Air Fryer Chicken Legs are crispy, crunchy, and oh-so-juicy, all without the hassle of deep-frying!
    • Air Fryer Empanadas with chicken are a lighter version of the classic dish that still turn out every bit as savory and satisfying.
    • For an easy weeknight meal you can have on the table in under 30 minutes, Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets will keep you coming back for more!
    • Perfectly-cooked Ninja Foodi Grill Chicken Wings in a punchy caramelized sauce never fail to satisfy.
    • If you are looking for global flavors, don't miss this Air Fryer Chicken Katsu recipe!
    Overhead photo of a plate of air fryer chicken thighs.
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    Close up square photo of air fryer chicken thighs.
    Print Recipe
    5 from 14 votes

    Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

    This Air Fryer Chicken Thigh recipe is going to become your new weeknight favorite!
    Prep Time10 mins
    Course: Main
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: Air Fryer
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 267kcal
    Author: Wendy Polisi

    Ingredients

    • 2 ½ pounds bone-in skin on chicken thighs
    • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
    • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
    • 2 teaspoons sea salt
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • Avocado oil to brush or spray

    Instructions

    • Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel.
    • In a small bowl, combine the oregano, thyme, salt, garlic powder and pepper.
    • Rub the seasoning over the mixture.
    • Allow to sit at room temperature for 1 hour, or refrigerate overnight.
    • Preheat the air fryer to 400° F.
    • Coat the chicken thighs with avocado oil.
    • Working in batches, place the chicken thighs skin side down in the air fryer.
    • Cook for 8 minutes.
    • Flip and cook for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160° F.
    • Allow to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 267kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 118mg | Sodium: 675mg | Potassium: 262mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 113IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 1mg

    Filed Under:

    Air Fryer RecipesChicken RecipesMain Dish Recipes

    More Air Fryer Recipes

    • 30 Minute Crispy Keto Air Fryer Chicken Breast
    • 30-Minute Air Fryer Chicken Legs
    • Juicy & Tender Air Fryer Turkey Breast 
    • Easy Homemade Air Fryer Mac and Cheese

    About Wendy Polisi

    Hi, I’m Wendy! I’m a cook, 5 time cookbook author, blogger, natural health enthusiast…and most importantly a mom. My boys are 16 & 17 and my late life princess is 9.

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      Rating




    1. Denise

      March 22, 2022 at 12:52 am

      5 stars
      Wonderful!!! Will always make this recipe...thank you!!

      Reply
    2. Mike

      March 25, 2022 at 8:36 pm

      5 stars
      We are 3 seniors living here that are looking for good recipes for the air fryers. There are some real good recipes on thus site that I joined today. This one of yours I can't wait to try as it sound amazing!.

      Reply

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