Description
The Very Best Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are crispy on the outside and incredibly juicy on the inside, delivering bold flavor with minimal effort. This simple, hands-off method uses everyday pantry spices and a quick olive oil coating to create crackling skin and tender meat in under 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or entertaining, these chicken thighs stay juicy yet crisp with every bite. Whether bone-in or boneless, this versatile recipe adapts to your schedule.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 bone-in or boneless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp chili powder (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry and add them to a bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle on paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Toss to coat evenly.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
- Place the chicken thighs in the basket in a single layer, skin-side down if using bone-in.
- Air fry for 10 minutes. Flip the thighs.
- Air fry for another 10–14 minutes, depending on thickness, until crispy and fully cooked.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, pat dry the chicken and use skin-on thighs when possible.
- Boneless thighs may cook slightly faster; check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to retain juiciness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–24 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thigh
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: The Very Best Air Fryer Chicken Thighs, air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken thighs, quick weeknight dinner, bone-in chicken thighs, garlic paprika, easy dinner