Name: Air Fryer Chicken Thighs – Super Crispy! Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-490758H4M4S
Total time: PT-490758H4M4S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, trimmed of excess fat and skin; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon oregano; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; Cooking spray, for air fryer basket

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Introduction

These air fryer chicken thighs come out super crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making them a perfect quick dinner option. With a simple spice blend and minimal effort, you can enjoy a flavorful meal any night of the week.

Four pieces of golden-brown roasted chicken thighs with a crispy, slightly charred skin full of seasoning, arranged inside a black air fryer basket with a metal mesh base. The chicken pieces have varying shades of golden and dark brown, showing the texture of the crispy skin, and the background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (trimmed of excess fat and skin)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F for 5 minutes. After preheating, spray the basket with cooking spray if desired to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Place the chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or a bowl with a lid. Add the kosher salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, and onion powder. Shake or stir well to evenly coat the chicken.
Step 3: Remove the chicken thighs from the bag and place them skin side down in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12 minutes.

Step 4: Flip the chicken thighs so the skin side is up and continue cooking for another 10 to 15 minutes. For extra crispiness, cook in 4-minute increments until you reach your desired texture.
Step 5: The chicken is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F. Cooking times may vary based on chicken size and air fryer wattage. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For even crispier skin, pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels before seasoning.

Try adding cayenne pepper or chili powder for a spicy kick.
Use boneless thighs if preferred, but reduce cooking time accordingly.

Storage

Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes to maintain crispiness, or warm in the oven.

How to Serve

Four pieces of cooked chicken thighs with golden brown, crispy skin and specks of black pepper sit inside a metal mesh basket, their surface textured with bubbles and slight charring. The basket is inside a fryer basket with a dark metal frame, and the chicken pieces are arranged in a slightly overlapping manner, showcasing their crispy and juicy appearance. The metal mesh and frame create a contrast with the warm tones of the chicken. The photo is taken close up, highlighting the texture and color of the chicken skin. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken thighs in this recipe?

It’s best to use thawed chicken thighs for even cooking. If using frozen, cook at a lower temperature for a longer time and check for doneness with a meat thermometer.

What if my air fryer is smaller?

Cook the chicken thighs in batches to avoid overcrowding, which helps achieve a crispy texture. Make sure there is space around each piece for proper air circulation.