Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Tender, juicy chicken thighs are a quick and easy dinner recipe! These Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are coated with olive oil and then tossed with a blend of seasonings before they are cooked. This gives them a delicious flavor and crispy skin!
Juicy chicken thighs with crispy seasoned skin is a quick and easy dinner recipe you can make in your air fryer!
You guys know how much I love air fryer recipes – you can use it for so many things and you get that crispy texture without having to fry anything. I love it! And these air fryer chicken thighs are so delicious we have them in our dinner rotation on a regular basis.
Just like my air fryer fried chicken, pork chops and chicken legs, these crispy-skinned thighs come out perfectly cooked every time. Plus, they only take 30 minutes to make start to finish.
They are seasoned with a homemade seasoning mix made with smoked paprika and chili powder so they have tons of flavor! If you’ve been wanting to try a new chicken recipe you are going to love this one! Don’t have an air fryer? Make my baked chicken thighs instead!
Recipe Steps and Tips!
First, make your seasoning mix by combining garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, salt and pepper.
Pat the thighs dry. This is an important step! Removing excess moisture will ensure your they cook up with really crispy skin.
Brush the chicken with olive oil and then sprinkle the seasoning all over the chicken.
Place the thighs in the air fryer in an even layer. Cook them for 18 minutes at 400 degrees F or until they are cooked through.
How do you know when chicken thighs are done?
Technically, they’re done when the internal temperate is 165 degrees F and the juices run clear.
I actually prefer to cook mine until they are 185 to 190 degrees F. That way, you won’t have any of those blood spots near the bone. Thighs have plenty of fat so they won’t dry out if you cook them a little longer.
Can I use chicken breasts for this recipe?
Well, first let me explain why I love chicken thighs for this recipe. First, they are a little smaller and fit perfectly in my air fryer. Bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts are a lot bigger so you would have to cook them in batches. Also, the cooking time will vary.
I don’t recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe because you won’t get the crispy skin! Also, they will dry out more and not be as juicy as thighs.
Can I cook them in the oven?
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can cook them in the oven. You can use the same temperature (400 degrees F) but they will take longer to cook than the air fryer. I haven’t tested them this way, so I can’t give you a time estimate.
Also, the skin may not be as crispy because an oven works differently than an air fryer. When you cook them in an air fryer, hot air is circulated around the food which is what makes the skin so crispy. It’s a lot like a convection oven!
What are some good side dishes?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! It’s what I love best about this dish – you can pair them with so many side dishes. Here are some of my favorites:
- During the summer, I love to make potato salad to go with them. My bacon ranch potato salad is one of my family’s favorites or try my classic potato salad!
- Add a healthy veggie side dish like a mix of roasted vegetables, cooked asparagus, or roasted cauliflower.
- During the winter when we’re craving something hearty I’ll make broccoli casserole, baked potatoes or cheesy garlic noodles!
Seriously, though, they go with almost anything so check out all of my side dish recipes for even more ideas!
Whatever you do, you have to try these easy air fryer chicken thighs! Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside – they are so delicious! Might I suggest that you make them this week? You won’t regret it!
Try it and love it? I’d love it if you’d give it a rating below and comment.
If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!!
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 4 skin-on bone-in chicken thighs
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
Rub
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ⅛ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.
- In a small bowl combine all the rub ingredients.
- Pat chicken thighs dry with a paper towel and brush the skin-side of each piece with olive oil. Place chicken thighs skin-side down in a single layer on a plate.
- Sprinkle rub mixture evenly over the chicken thighs. Turn the thighs over and evenly sprinkle remaining seasoning mixture on top. Place chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin-side up.
- Cook in an air fryer 18-22 minutes or until the juices run clean and the center reads 185-190 degrees F.
Notes
- Technically the internal temperature needs to be 165 degrees F, but I find that there are no bloody spots around the bones if you cook it a little longer and the chicken falls off the bone tender and juicy.
Just wondering time for boneless thighs.
🌞
Try 15 minutes at 400 degrees F and add time if necessary. You’re looking for 185-190 degrees F internal temp.
Isn’t chicken 165 internal temperature?
Hi Gina, thanks for your question. Technically, they’re done when the internal temperate is 165 degrees F and the juices run clear. But I actually prefer to cook mine until they are 185 to 190 degrees F – that way, you won’t have any of those blood spots near the bone. Thighs have plenty of fat so they won’t dry out if you cook them a little longer.
Was a big hit last night. Do good I was asked to make this again tonight. Thank you for sharing your recipe.
Awesome! Glad they were a hit!
Perfect. DH usually prefers breast but he loved this. He also doesn’t want to deal with bone or skin, but left the bone bare. “Honey, this is a keeper.” Perfect recipe, plus anytime I don’t have to deal with oven or frying? New go to. Ten stars!
Awesome!! I’m so glad it was a hit, thanks for coming back to let me know!
Absolutely perfect! These were crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. I cooked them for the full 22 minutes, but think I will bump it down next time. These were a hit with my family and they have asked for them again. I love my air fryer and simple recipes for it. After an exhausting day of work, I don’t feel like standing in the kitchen cooking. This recipe is an easy prep and walk away. Thank you for such a delicious and easy recipe.
Thanks, Shanna! I’m so glad you loved this one! The air fryer is an amazing tool for a busy family!
Hello,
My Air fryer is different. It’s the one that’s made with the door instead of a basket. How do I make the chicken thighs in it?
You should still be able to follow the recipe. Instead of placing the chicken thighs in the basket, place them in your air fryer and continue with the baking instructions. Hope you enjoy!
I love my air fryer too! And this recipe saved the day last night when I hadn’t planned anything for dinner. They came out just the way we like them with that crispy skin and oh so moist and flavorful meat. Thank you for saving the day!
You’re welcome! I’m so glad you enjoyed them, the air fryer is an amazing tool!
I am loving air fryer recipes! This one is a good one! Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome! Glad they were a hit!
Why does the video show the air fryer temperature set to 200 and the recipe says 400??
My videographer’s Air Fryer is in celsius not Fahrenheit 🙂