These Easy Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are a tasty treat! With juicy meat and a crispy, golden skin, they’re cooked perfectly in no time. Plus, there’s no need to worry about frying oil!
Honestly, the air fryer is my best friend for making these! I love how quickly they cook and how easy cleanup is. You’ll want to make extra just in case—trust me on this one! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are ideal here for their flavor and juiciness. If you’re in a hurry, boneless, skinless thighs can be used, but they’ll cook faster.
Olive Oil: I like using olive oil because of its rich flavor, but feel free to substitute with canola or avocado oil if you prefer something with a higher smoke point or milder taste.
Spices: The mix of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and chili powder gives a lovely taste. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works just fine! You can also switch dried thyme with oregano for a different twist.
Cooking Spray: Using cooking spray helps prevent sticking, but if you don’t have any, just brush a little more olive oil in the basket.
How Do You Get Extra Crispy Skin on Chicken Thighs?
Getting that desired crispy skin is all about moisture and temperature. Start by patting the chicken dry well before seasoning. Less moisture on the skin means more crispiness!
- Preheat your air fryer; this ensures a hot, crispy environment right from the start.
- Cook thighs skin-side down first. This allows that skin to render and crisp up nicely before flipping.
- Keep an eye on the internal temperature. Aim for 165°F (75°C) to ensure they’re perfectly cooked without drying out.
And don’t skip the resting step! Letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking helps keep the juices locked in. Enjoy your meal!
Easy Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for slight heat)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray (optional, for air fryer basket)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and another 20 minutes to cook. The total time comes to about 35 minutes before you can enjoy your crispy chicken thighs!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken:
Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This simple step is key as it helps the skin to become crispy when cooked.
2. Mixing the Spice Blend:
In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder (if using), thyme (or parsley), salt, and black pepper. Stir well until everything is evenly mixed.
3. Seasoning the Chicken:
Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken thighs and rub it all over to coat. Then, take the spice mix and sprinkle it generously on both sides of the thighs, making sure they are well-coated with the spices.
4. Preheating the Air Fryer:
Set your air fryer to preheat at 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps achieve that perfect crispy finish!
5. Preparing the Air Fryer Basket:
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with a little extra olive oil to prevent sticking. This is optional, but it helps with cleanup.
6. Cooking the Chicken Thighs:
Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the basket, skin-side down, ensuring they’re not touching. If your air fryer is smaller, you may need to cook in batches.
7. Air Frying:
Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes. After that, carefully flip the chicken to skin-side up and cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
8. Resting the Chicken:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the chicken, keeping it moist.
9. Serving Up:
Serve your crispy chicken thighs hot, next to your choice of fresh greens or vegetables. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Enjoy your crispy, juicy air fryer chicken thighs!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs! They will cook faster, so reduce the air frying time to about 12-15 minutes total. Always check the internal temperature to ensure they reach 165°F (75°C).
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you don’t have olive oil on hand, you can substitute it with canola oil, vegetable oil, or avocado oil. Just choose one that has a high smoke point for best results!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to crisp them up again!
Can I Freeze the Cooked Chicken Thighs?
Absolutely! You can freeze cooked chicken thighs for up to 3 months. Make sure they are completely cooled, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in an airtight freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
