Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Air-fried chicken thighs cooked to juicy perfection with a crisp, flavorful exterior, all without heating a full oven.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Juicy, flavorful results every time
• Crispy skin without deep frying
• Quick and energy-efficient
• Easy seasoning and minimal cleanup
• Ideal for busy weeknights
• Versatile marinade and spice options
• Perfect portion control
• Safer cooking in enclosed appliance

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken thighs (bone‑in or boneless)
• Lemon juice (optional)
• Olive oil or cooking oil
• Spices: smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, onion powder, salt, pepper

Directions

1. Preheat air fryer to 375–400°F (190–200°C).
2. Rub thighs with lemon juice and oil, then rub in spices thoroughly.
3. Place thighs in a single layer in air fryer basket.
4. Cook at 400°F for about 24 minutes, flipping halfway.
5. Alternatively: cook at 375°F for 10 minutes, flip, then another 6–9 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 thighs
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: ~30 minutes Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch+12xoxoBella+12The Pioneer Woman+12Cooking Classy+14Skinnytaste+14Low Carb with Jennifer+14RedditLow Carb with Jennifer

Variations

• Use spice blends like lemon‑garlic, honey‑Cajun, or parmesan‑garlic
• Try marinades like teriyaki, BBQ, or herb‑garlic
• Coat thighs with breadcrumbs or panko before air frying for texture
• Use boneless thighs for faster cooking
• Serve with dipping sauces or atop salads

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate for up to 3 days in an airtight container
• Reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to retain crispness
• Freezing is not recommended for best texture

FAQs

Bone‑in or boneless?

Bone-in yields juicier meat but takes slightly longer; boneless cooks faster.

Should I preheat the air fryer?

Yes—for more even cooking and crispy skin.

How can I test doneness?

Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Can I stack thighs?

No—they need space for air to circulate properly.

Is it okay to cook frozen thighs?

It works, but increase time and check internal temperature.

Do I need to flip?

Yes—flipping ensures even crispiness.

Can I use the same recipe for chicken breasts?

Yes—but reduce cooking time to avoid dryness.

Are air‑fried thighs healthier?

Yes—they use less oil and still deliver great texture.

How adaptable are the seasonings?

Very—spices can be tailored to your taste or cuisine preference.

What about leftover thighs?

Use in sandwiches, salads, or wraps for easy meals.

Conclusion

Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs offer a fast, reliable path to delicious, tender chicken with crispy skin. Perfect for effortless dinners, they’re customizable, healthy, and always satisfying.

Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

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Tender, juicy chicken thighs seasoned with a flavorful spice blend and cooked to perfection in the air fryer—crispy on the outside and succulent on the inside.

• Author: Emma Harper
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 24 mins
• Total Time: 29 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 5 minutes.
2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Rub the chicken thighs with olive oil, then sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides.
5. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
6. Cook for 12 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 10–12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy.
7. Remove from the air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Use boneless, skinless thighs for a leaner option—reduce cook time by 3–4 minutes.
• Adjust spices to taste—add cayenne for heat or lemon zest for brightness.
• Letting the chicken rest after cooking helps retain juices.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 23g
• Cholesterol: 105mg