These chicken thighs in an air fryer are incredibly simple to prepare, and my family adores them! Succulent, flavorful, and lightly crisped on the outside. One of our go-to easy dinners!
These Chicken Thighs Have Become a Household Favorite!
Honestly, I’ve been trying to resist making these chicken thighs every night. They are just that amazing. They pair well with nearly everything, are incredibly juicy and crisp, and both the kids and the adults in my family love them!
I enjoy them with various sides:
- roasted potato wedges paired with a cucumber salad
- a creamy pasta dish
- in a wrap, sandwich, or salad
- a baked potato with some roasted vegetables
- simply enjoyed with your favorite sauce! (check out all my favorite sauces here!)
The chicken is so packed with flavor and absolutely finger-licking delicious that I can hardly believe it’s made in the air fryer.
I have to keep my kids from devouring it all off the cutting board before it even reaches the dining table.
If you’ve tried our air fryer chicken breasts (which are also fantastic), you’ll find the flavor in these chicken thighs to be even more savory. The original chicken breast recipe has a brown sugar and smoked paprika base, while this one uses paprika, garlic, onion, and a hint of oregano.
I have been absolutely loving these with a smoky paprika aioli (I’ll share that in the recipe notes – it’s so tasty). Just thinking about it makes me hungry!
Hope you enjoy it!
How To Prepare Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Trim the Chicken Thighs.
This step is optional, but I typically remove any extra fat that might be on the edges of the chicken thighs.
Toss with the Spices!
Make sure the chicken thighs are thoroughly coated! Like this.
Air Fry for 11-13 Minutes.
Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer for even cooking!
It’s Done!
Conduct a quick temperature check – the internal temperature should reach at least 165 degrees (I use this meat thermometer for verification).
Slice and Serve!
My daughter and husband could hardly wait for me to snap the photos. 🙂 I enjoy cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces and squeezing a little lemon over everything! So delicious.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Total Time:
28 minutesYield:
4 servings 1x
Description
These chicken thighs made in the air fryer are remarkably delicious. Incredibly juicy, wonderfully golden, and ready within 15 minutes! It’s such a straightforward recipe that the entire family loves.
Ingredients
Scale
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Instructions
- Trim the Chicken Thighs: This is optional, but I generally cut away the excess fat (the thicker white strips) from the chicken thighs’ edges.
- Season the Chicken: Coat the chicken thighs with the olive oil and spices. For enhanced flavor, let them marinate in the fridge for 15 minutes to 2-3 hours. (You can skip this for a quicker prep if needed!)
- Air Fry the Chicken: Cook at 375 for 11-13 minutes until they are deeply golden and slightly crisp, with an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. (I check with a meat thermometer!)
- Slice the Chicken: Move the chicken to a cutting board. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before cutting it into bite-sized pieces. Drizzle lemon juice on top if desired.
- Serve: Pair with your favorite sauce (see notes for a smoky aioli that I adore), alongside baked potatoes or roasted vegetables, in a rice bowl, or atop a salad!
Notes
Smoky Paprika Aioli (my current favorite sauce with this): Blend 1/2 cup mayo, 1/4 cup yogurt, 1 clove freshly grated garlic, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 2 tablespoons water, and 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste).
Spice Coverage on the Chicken: Each package of chicken thighs can vary in size, so if your package weighs 1.5 pounds or more (or if you’re a fan of spices), you may want to add a few extra shakes of spices for better coverage!
Preheating the Air Fryer: I skip preheating my air fryer. I simply insert the chicken, turn it on, and check with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Lining the Air Fryer: I do not line the basket of the air fryer; I put the chicken thighs directly on the grill grate.
Flipping the Chicken: I also do not flip the chicken thighs during cooking. I’ve tried that method, but I prefer the texture with just the top being crispy while the bottom remains juicy. If you desire both sides to be crispy, you could air fry for 8-9 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: air fryer chicken, air fryer chicken thighs, air fryer recipe
Common Questions About This Recipe
Can you substitute chicken breasts for thighs?
Certainly! I recommend slicing them horizontally into thinner portions (follow the instructions in this recipe) and air frying at 375 for 9-10 minutes.
Can I prepare these chicken thighs in the oven instead of the air fryer?
Yes! 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, switch on the broil setting during the last few minutes of cooking and reposition the pan closer to the top of the oven.
Can frozen chicken thighs be used?
I wouldn’t advise using frozen chicken thighs.
Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer?
Not for me. I simply place the chicken in, turn the air fryer on, and ensure to use a meat thermometer to confirm it has been fully cooked.
How can you tell when the chicken is cooked through?
When it reaches 165 degrees, you’re set! This is the thermometer I rely on. (affiliate link) I use this frequently. Highly recommended.
Are other oils acceptable?
I use both avocado oil and olive oil.
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