These air fryer chicken thighs are incredibly simple and my family adores them! Succulent, flavorful, and with a touch of crispiness on the outside. One of our top easy dinners!
These Chicken Thighs Are a New Family Favorite!
Friends, I’ve been restraining myself from preparing these chicken thighs every night. They are that amazing. They pair wonderfully with almost everything, are incredibly juicy and crisp, and both the kids and adults in my family give their stamp of approval!
I enjoy them with a variety of dishes:
- roasted potato wedges alongside a cucumber salad
- a creamy pasta dish
- in a wrap, sandwich, or salad
- with a baked potato and some roasted vegetables
- simply by themselves with a side of your favorite sauce! (all my preferred sauces are linked here!)
The chicken is so packed with flavor and so delicious that I can hardly believe it’s made in the air fryer.
I have to stop my children from devouring it all off the cutting board before it even reaches the table.
If you’ve tried our air fryer chicken breasts (which are also fantastic), the taste of these chicken thighs is even more savory. The original chicken breast recipe features a base of brown sugar and smoked paprika, while this one uses paprika, garlic, onion, and a hint of oregano.
I have been ENJOYING these with a smoky paprika aioli (I’ll share that in the recipe notes – it’s super tasty). Just thinking about it makes me hungry.
Hope you all savor it!
How To Prepare Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Trim Chicken Thighs.
This step is optional, but I frequently remove any small pieces of fat that may be on the edges of the chicken thighs.
Toss with Seasonings!
Make sure to coat the chicken thighs thoroughly! Just like this.
Air Fry for 11-13 Minutes.
Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer to ensure even cooking!
It’s finished!
Conduct a quick temperature check – the inside should reach a minimum of 165 degrees (I rely on this meat thermometer for accuracy).
Slice and Serve!
My daughter and husband couldn’t contain their excitement while I snapped photos. 🙂 I like to chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and drizzle a bit of lemon over everything! It’s so delicious.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Description
These air fryer chicken thighs are exceptionally delicious. Extremely juicy, beautifully golden, and ready in just 15 minutes! Such a straightforward recipe that my entire family enjoys.
Ingredients
Scale
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Instructions
- Trim the Chicken Thighs: This step is optional, but I typically cut off any small pieces of fat (the larger white strips) from the edges of the chicken thighs.
- Season the Chicken: Toss the chicken thighs in the mixture of spices and olive oil. For enhanced flavor, let it marinate for 15 minutes to 2-3 hours in the fridge. (Skipping this is also fine if you’re pressed for time!)
- Cook Chicken: Air fry at 375 for 11-13 minutes, until deeply golden and slightly crisped on the exterior, and at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit internally. (I utilize a meat thermometer to verify!)
- Slice Chicken: Move the chicken to a cutting board. Allow it to rest for a few minutes; chop into bite-sized pieces. Drizzle lemon juice over the top if desired.
- Serve: Pair with your preferred sauce (refer to notes for a smoky aioli I cherish), a baked potato or roasted veggies, in a rice bowl, or atop a salad!
Notes
Smoky Paprika Aioli (my current favorite sauce with this): Whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup yogurt, 1 clove freshly grated garlic, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 2 tablespoons water, and 1/4 teaspoon salt (more to taste).
Spice Coverage on The Chicken: Every chicken thigh package varies slightly in size, so if yours weighs 1.5 pounds or more (or if you prefer a lot of seasoning), consider adding extra shakes of spices for comprehensive coverage!
Preheating the Air Fryer: I do not preheat my air fryer. I simply place the chicken inside, turn the air fryer on, and ensure to check with a meat thermometer for complete doneness.
Lining the Air Fryer: I also don’t line the air fryer basket. I place the chicken thighs directly onto the grill grate.
Flipping the Chicken: I do not flip the chicken thighs midway. I’ve attempted it, but I prefer the texture with just the top crisp and the underside remaining slightly juicy. If you prefer both sides to be crispy, you can air fry for 8-9 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 5 minutes to crisp both sides.
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: air fryer chicken, air fryer chicken thighs, air fryer recipe
Frequently Asked Questions For This Recipe
Can you substitute chicken breasts for thighs?
Absolutely! I recommend cutting them horizontally into thinner portions (following the guidelines in this recipe) and air frying them at 375 for 9-10 minutes.
Is it possible to prepare these chicken thighs in the oven instead of in an air fryer?
Certainly! Bake on a small sheet pan at 425 degrees for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 165 degrees Fahrenheit. To achieve additional browning on the chicken thighs, switch on the broil setting for the final minutes of cooking and position the pan closer to the oven’s top.
Can you utilize frozen chicken thighs?
I wouldn’t recommend using frozen chicken thighs.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
I don’t preheat mine. I simply place the chicken in, switch the air fryer on, and ensure to use a meat thermometer to verify that it’s fully cooked.
How can you tell when the chicken is thoroughly cooked?
It’s done when it reaches 165 degrees! This is the thermometer I use. (affiliate link) It’s a tool I utilize constantly. Highly suggested.
Is it possible to use different types of oil?
I typically use both avocado oil and olive oil.
More Air Fryer Protein Options
**How to Cook Chicken Thighs Using an Air Fryer**
Cooking chicken thighs in an air fryer provides a straightforward and effective means to achieve crispy, juicy results without an overload of oil. Air fryers employ hot air circulation to cook food, rendering them a healthier choice compared to traditional frying techniques. Here’s a detailed guide to preparing delicious chicken thighs using an air fryer.
**Ingredients:**
– 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on or boneless, skinless)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Optional: herbs such as thyme or rosemary for extra flavor
**Instructions:**
1. **Preparation:**
– Start by patting the chicken thighs dry using paper towels. This assists the skin in crisping up beautifully in the air fryer.
– In a small mixing bowl, blend the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika together. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste, and feel free to incorporate additional spices or herbs like thyme or rosemary for enhanced flavor.
2. **Seasoning:**
– Coat the chicken thighs with olive oil, ensuring they are evenly covered. This helps the seasoning adhere and encourages browning.
– Evenly sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken thighs, making sure to cover all surfaces.
3. **Preheating the Air Fryer:**
– Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for approximately 5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the chicken begins cooking right away, resulting in a crispier texture.
4. **Cooking:**
– Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin-side down if using skin-on thighs. Avoid overcrowding for even cooking.
– Cook for 12 minutes, then flip the thighs and continue cooking for another 10-12 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
5. **Resting:**
– Once fully cooked, take the chicken thighs out of the air fryer and allow them to rest for 5 minutes. This gives the juices a chance to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
6. **Serving:**
– Serve the chicken thighs alongside your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. The crispy exterior and juicy inside make them a versatile main dish suitable for any occasion.
**Tips for Success:**
– For even crispier skin, consider adding a dash of baking powder to the seasoning blend.
– If opting for boneless, skinless thighs, slightly reduce the cooking time to avoid drying them out.
– Always verify the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken is properly cooked.
Using an air fryer for chicken thighs is not only convenient but also yields a healthier meal with reduced oil use. By following these simple steps, you can savor perfectly cooked chicken thighs that are crispy and full of flavor.
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