Easy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Our beautifully seasoned Air Fryer chicken thighs are tender and juicy. These easy air fryer chicken thighs have a perfectly crispy skin with juice trapped in pockets under it. So yum. And that skin is seasoned with a perfect blend of aromatic spices.

This easy-to-follow recipe uses the magic of an air fryer to achieve that mouthwatering texture. The result is a delectable and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. It’s sure to satisfy your cravings any day of the week.

With just a handful of simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create a dish that’s bursting with flavors, making it a favorite for both family dinners and gatherings with friends. The secret lies in the artful combination of smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic salt, oregano, and cracked black pepper. Viola! The humble chicken thigh becomes a culinary delight on your table in no time and with little trouble. That’s a good dinner.

These juicy air fryer Chicken thighs are spiced to golden perfection. Pair them with roasted Brussels sprouts, roasted asparagus or a whole platter of Healthy roasted vegetables for a nutritious, satisfying meal. Discover the simple joy of preparing these seasoned crispy air-frier chicken thighs that will quickly become a favorite go-to recipe.

Recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Thighs:

This recipe for chicken thighs in the air fryer is extremely simple and you can have it on the table with sides in under 30 minutes if you follow it as written. Here is some additional information on cooking times, methods and how to choose your thighs to help you have a best outcome for your family. Enjoy!

Air fryer crispy chicken thighs make a great dinner and they’re very simple to put together.

More Seasoning blend Ideas:

Air fryer chicken thighs are incredibly versatile and can be seasoned with a wide range of spice blends to suit various flavor profiles.

Here are some other spice blends that work well for air fryer chicken thighs:

1. Lemon Herb Blend: Mix dried thyme, rosemary, parsley, garlic powder, lemon zest, salt, and pepper for a zesty and aromatic seasoning.
2. Moroccan Spice Blend: Combine cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a flavorful North African-inspired taste.
3. BBQ Seasoning: Create a smoky and sweet flavor with a mix of paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and cumin.
4. Italian Herb Seasoning: Use dried oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for an Italian-inspired flair.
5. Smoky Chipotle Blend: Mix smoked paprika, ground chipotle pepper, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and a touch of brown sugar for a spicy and smoky kick.
6. Cajun Spice Mix: Combine paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper for a bold and spicy Cajun flavor.
7. Herbes de Provence: Use a classic French blend of dried thyme, rosemary, savory, marjoram, and lavender for a fragrant and earthy taste.
8. Asian-Inspired Blend: Create an Asian-inspired seasoning with soy sauce, ginger, garlic powder, sesame oil, and a pinch of Chinese five-spice powder.
9. Ranch Seasoning: Make your own ranch-inspired seasoning with dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, chives, salt, and pepper.
10. Tandoori Spice Mix: Mix together ground cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, garam masala, ginger, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper for an Indian-inspired flavor.

Feel free to experiment with these spice blends and adjust the quantities according to your taste preferences. But first try the one in this recipe. It’s so good!!

What is the Safe Temperature For Chicken Thighs?

The safe minimum internal temperature for chicken thighs, as well as all poultry, is 165°F (74°C). This temperature is recommended by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and other food safety organizations to ensure that any harmful bacteria, such as salmonella, are killed, making the chicken safe to eat.

When cooking air fryer chicken thighs, use a reliable meat thermometer to check the internal temperature at the thickest part of the meat, away from the bone. Once the chicken thighs reach 165°F (74°C), they are considered fully cooked and safe to consume.

Avoid undercooking chicken. Eating undercooked poultry can lead to food borne illnesses. Conversely, overcooking chicken thighs can result in dry and tough meat. By ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), you strike the right balance between food safety and delicious, moist air fryer chicken thighs.

Is it better to bake chicken thighs at 350 or 400?

The optimal baking temperature for air fryer chicken thighs depends on the desired cooking time and the level of crispiness you want to achieve.

Baking at 350°F (175°C):

• Baking chicken thighs at 350°F will result in a slower and more even cooking process. It’s a good choice if you prefer a more tender and moist texture in your chicken thighs.
• Cooking at this lower temperature may take slightly longer, typically around 40-45 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the thighs.
• While the chicken will be fully cooked and tender, the skin might not get as crispy as it would at higher temperatures.

Baking at 400°F (200°C):

The air fryer will gives you great results at 400 degrees F. Air fryers cook food faster than traditional frying methods, or a standard stove. The hot circulating air ensures even and efficient cooking, similar to convection baking, with little to no oil.

• Baking air fryer chicken thighs at 400°F will result in a faster cooking time and a crisper skin.
• Cooking at this higher temperature usually takes around 25-30 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the thighs.
• The higher heat will help render the fat from the skin, leading to a deliciously crispy and golden-brown texture.

So if you prefer tender and moist chicken thighs, baking at 350°F might be a better option. This might be a great option for boneless chicken thighs. But cover them to keep the moisture in the meat as they cook.

We are aiming for a crispier skin with lots of juiciness. Baking at 400°F will give you that. Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preference and how you like your chicken thighs cooked.

How Long to Cook Chicken Thighs In the Air Fryer:

The main differences between cooking bone-in thighs and skinless deboned chicken thighs in the air fryer is the cooking time and loss of the skin in deboned thighs. Bone-in thighs usually require a slightly longer cooking time (8 to 10 minutes longer) to ensure the bones are thoroughly cooked, while boneless thighs cook more quickly.

Cooking Boneless Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer:

How long does it take to cook chicken thighs in an air fryer? About 12 to 20 minutes, depending on which thighs you choose. Boneless chicken thighs are a bit faster to cook and have less fat. However, they won’t have that luscious seasoned crispy skin that bone-in thighs do.

Here’s the method for cooking boneless chicken thighs:

1. How to Air Fry the boneless Chicken Thighs: Place the seasoned boneless chicken thighs in the fryer basket, or tray, making sure they are not overcrowded. Cook the chicken thighs at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 12-15 minutes, depending on their thickness.
2. Check Internal Temperature: Ensure the boneless chicken thighs are fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F (74°C).
3. Serve and Enjoy: Once the boneless chicken thighs are cooked through and tender, remove them from the air fryer. Allow them to rest covered for a few minutes before serving.

Bone In Chicken Thighs In the Air Fryer:

Air fryer Bone in chicken thighs are a bit of a process to cook but it doesn’t take long. You’ll get the reward of the skin. It is amazingly crips and flavorful when cooked in the air fryer. The skin is also useful as a natural baste for the meat. As it crisps the skin deposits the seasoned fat onto the meat. That skin also traps pockets of juices under it to keep the meat moist. Mmmmmm. good!

How to bake bone-in chicken thighs in the air fryer:

1. Air Fry the Chicken Thighs: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin side up, and make sure they are not overcrowded. Cook the chicken thighs at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes.
2. Flip and Cook: After the first 10 minutes, open the air fryer, flip the chicken thighs over, and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
3. Final Crisp: Flip the chicken thighs one last time, skin side up, and cook for another 5 minutes or until the skin becomes crispy and golden brown.
4. Check Internal Temperature: Ensure the chicken thighs are fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Serve and Enjoy: Once the chicken thighs are cooked and crispy, remove them from the air fryer. Allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips to get the Best Air Fryer Chicken Thighs:

Here is a summary of all the tips we feel will help you get the perfect result for your air fryer chicken thighs.

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Just like with an oven, preheating the air fryer is crucial for achieving even cooking and a crispy exterior. Preheat the air fryer to the desired temperature before placing the chicken thighs inside.
2. Use Bone-in, Skin-on Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs generally result in juicier and more flavorful meat. The skin also gets wonderfully crispy in the air fryer.
3. Pat Dry the Chicken Thighs: Before seasoning, make sure to pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the spices adhere better and enhances crispiness.
4. Season Generously: Don’t be shy with your seasonings. Rub the chicken thighs with your preferred dry spice blend, or marinate them for extra flavor.
5. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket or tray: Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each piece. Overcrowding can result in uneven cooking and less crispy skin.
6. Add a Little Oil: While air frying requires less oil than deep frying, a light coating of oil on the chicken thighs can enhance the crispiness of the skin. You can use a brush to lightly coat the skin with oil.
7. Flip the Thighs: For even cooking, flip the chicken thighs halfway through the cooking time. This ensures both sides get crispy and evenly cooked.
8. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken thighs are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
9. Let Them Rest: After air frying, allow the chicken thighs to rest for a few minutes before serving. Resting helps retain the juices and makes the meat more tender.
10. Experiment with Cooking Times: Cooking times can vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken thighs. Start with the recommended cooking time, but be prepared to adjust it slightly to achieve your desired level of doneness.

This recipe for crispy air fryer chicken thighs has a wonderful spice blend on the chicken that really brings out the flavors and helps seal the juices under that crispy skin.

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