Description
This Air Fryer Chicken Thighs recipe delivers perfectly crispy, juicy chicken with minimal effort. Seasoned with a blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and a touch of cayenne for optional heat, these thighs cook quickly in the air fryer, making for an easy weeknight dinner with delicious, golden-brown skin every time.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Dry the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help the skin crisp during cooking.
- Make the seasoning mix: In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using.
- Coat the chicken: Rub the chicken thighs evenly with olive oil, then coat thoroughly with the seasoning mixture to ensure every bite is flavorful.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F and let it preheat, which typically takes around 3-5 minutes.
- Arrange the chicken: Place the thighs in a single layer skin-side up in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded for even cooking.
- Cook the chicken: Air fry for 18 to 22 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time to achieve even crisping. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Rest the chicken: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute, resulting in tender meat.
Notes
- For extra crispy skin, lightly spray the chicken with oil before cooking.
- Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the chicken thighs and your specific air fryer model.
- Always verify doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
