• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Posh Journal
  • Recipes
  • Collections
  • Subscribe
  • About
    • Contact
    • Disclosure/Privacy Policy
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Collections
  • Subscribe
  • About
    • Contact
    • Disclosure/Privacy Policy
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Collections
    • Subscribe
    • About
      • Contact
      • Disclosure/Privacy Policy
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Homepage » Recipes

    Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

    Published: Oct 4, 2020 · Modified: Oct 4, 2020 This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · 36 Comments

    2311 shares
    • Share50
    • Tweet
    • Yummly
    • Mix
    • WhatsApp
    • Flipboard
    • Telegram
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    air fryer chicken thighs

    This Air Fryer Chicken Thighs recipe is a delicious and quick way to cook chicken thighs. It's the perfect easy chicken recipe to make on busy nights! The bone-in chicken thighs are so tender and juicy on the inside and crispy skin on the outside. It's also gluten-free, low carb, and keto-friendly!

    If you have recently purchased an air fryer and don't know what to cook with it, try this Air Fryer Chicken Thighs recipe!

    This quick chicken dinner recipe is perfect for a stress-free weeknight meal. It's a family-friendly dish, so hearty and comforting.

    The best chicken thigh recipe.

    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe:
    • The Ingredients:
    • What to Serve with:
    • How to Cook Chicken Thighs in an Air Fryer:
    • Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

    Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe:

    • Simple and quick. The chicken thighs cook faster in the air fryer than in the oven and the result is quite amazing! These chicken thighs only need about 18-25 minutes of cooking time at 400°F. In addition, an air fryer preheats quicker than the conventional oven. You will save a lot of time in the kitchen!
    air fryer chicken thighs.
    • No marinating required. The key is on the perfect chicken seasoning blend! Just rub the chicken with a simple spice blend and oil before cooking and you will have the most tender and flavorful meat!
    • Super Cheap Meal. Chicken thighs are very good meat and more affordable than chicken breasts. I bought the air-chilled Kirkland chicken thighs (bone-in and skin on) for $0.99 per pound at Costco in my area.
    Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

    The Ingredients:

    Chicken Thighs: They are cheaper and easier to cook than chicken breasts. In this recipe, I used 2 pounds of skin-on and bone-in chicken thighs (7 small pieces) and seasoned with the homemade rub.

    The homemade chicken seasoning blend consists of a combination of ground paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, olive oil, freshly crushed black peppercorn, thyme, oregano, rosemary, and kosher salt.

    This combination of spices really goes well with chicken! It's a keeper!

    air fryer chicken thighs

    What to Serve with:

    • ROASTED YELLOW SQUASH WITH PARMESAN CHEESE AND HERBS
    • SUMMER SQUASH CASSEROLE | CHEESY AND HEALTHY – WITH RECIPE VIDEO 🎥
    • BUTTERNUT SQUASH GRATIN
    • HASSELBACK BUTTERNUT SQUASH WITH BROWN BUTTER SAGE
    • INSTANT POT MASHED SWEET POTATOES
    • ROASTED BABY POTATOES WITH ROSEMARY AND GARLIC

    How to Cook Chicken Thighs in an Air Fryer:

    The cooking process is very simple. So here are some important steps to follow from preparation to cooking the chicken thighs in an air fryer.

    • First, pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Set aside.
    Chicken Seasoning Blend
    • Second, in a small bowl, add ground paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, olive oil, freshly crushed black peppercorn, thyme, oregano, rosemary, and kosher salt. Mix until combined.
    Chicken and seasoning blend
    • Third, rub the seasoning blend all over the chicken thighs. Don't forget to rub under the skin.
    • Fourth, follow the owner's manual on how to preheat the air fryer. Set the temperature to 400°F.
    • Next, place chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin-side up.
    • After that, cook for about 18-25 minutes or until fully cooked. Please note that cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the meat, and the type or brand of air fryer you are using. Therefore, always make sure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F regardless of cooking method and cooking temperature before serving.
    • Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
    How to Cook Chicken Thighs in an air fryer

    Product used in this recipe: Ninja® Foodi™ Digital Air Fry Oven.

    Check out more chicken recipes:

    • CHINESE ROASTED CHICKEN
    • COQ AU VIN (FRENCH CHICKEN IN WINE SAUCE)
    • ROASTED HALF CHICKEN
    • LEMON PEPPER CHICKEN THIGHS
    • HEALTHY BAKED CHICKEN TENDERS (AKA CHICKEN STRIPS)
    • CHICKEN SHAWARMA (OVEN-ROASTED + INSTANT POT INSTRUCTIONS) – WITH VIDEO 🎥
    • OVEN-BAKED CHICKEN BREAST (SO TENDER AND JUICY!)
    • HARISSA CHICKEN RECIPE – WITH RECIPE VIDEO 🎥
    • CREAMY CHICKEN MARSALA
    • MEDITERRANEAN ROAST CHICKEN WITH VEGGIES
    • INSTANT POT GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN WINGS (NINJA FOODI + OVEN-BAKED INSTRUCTIONS)
    • DRY RUB CHICKEN WINGS (OVEN-BAKED/INSTANT POT/NINJA FOODI)
    • INSTANT POT CHICKEN WINGS WITH BUFFALO SAUCE
    Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
    5 from 17 votes

    Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

    Rika
    Crispy and Tender Air Fryer Chicken Thighs. The meat is flavorful. It's low carb and keto-friendly
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 18 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 573 kcal

    Ingredients
     

    • 2 pounds chicken thighs, bone-in and skin on, (about 7 small to medium pieces) Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels

    Seasoning Spice Blend:

    • 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
    • 2 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1½ teaspoon onion powder
    • 1 teaspoon ground paprika
    • 1 teaspoon freshly crushed black peppercorn
    • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
    • 1½ teaspoon kosher salt

    Instructions
     

    • In a small bowl, mix all seasoning spice blend ingredients until combined. Rub it all over the chicken thighs, including under the skin.
    • Preheat the air fryer then set the temperature to 400°F. Lightly grease the basket or tray with oil.
    • Place chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin-side up. Working in multiple batches as needed. Cook the chicken thighs for 18-25 minutes or until the internal temperature registered at 165°F, rotate the chicken halfway through.

    Notes

    To bake in the oven: 
    • Preheat the oven to 400°F.
    • Place the chicken, breast side up on a prepared baking sheet.
    • Cook for about 35-45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, is no longer pink and until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

    Nutrition

    Sodium: 1049mgCalcium: 35mgVitamin C: 1mgVitamin A: 460IUSugar: 1gFiber: 1gPotassium: 520mgCholesterol: 222mgCalories: 573kcalSaturated Fat: 11gFat: 45gProtein: 37gCarbohydrates: 4gIron: 2mg
    Keyword Air Fryer Chicken Thighs, Crispy Chicken Thighs, How to Cook Chicken Thighs in an Air Fryer
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    « Kalbi - Korean BBQ Flanken Short Ribs
    Coq Au Vin (French Chicken in Wine Sauce) »
    2311 shares
    • Share50
    • Tweet
    • Yummly
    • Mix
    • WhatsApp
    • Flipboard
    • Telegram

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. melissa chapman

      October 05, 2020 at 2:37 pm

      5 stars
      An air fryer seems like the next important gadget I need to have. Those thighs look perfectly cooked and great for any nice dinner.

    2. Amber Myers

      October 05, 2020 at 2:57 pm

      Oh heck yes, I love chicken! I just need to get an air fryer now. I still don't have one, but I have it on my Christmas list.

    3. Monica Simpson

      October 05, 2020 at 3:55 pm

      Sounds like a super simple yet delicious way to make chicken thighs! I have always preferred these over chicken breasts. They have way more flavor.

    4. Tasheena

      October 05, 2020 at 6:29 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe looks amazing. Looking forward to making it for my family.

    5. Beth

      October 05, 2020 at 7:37 pm

      5 stars
      These look so tasty! We don't have an air fryer (yet) but recipes like this make me realize how much I want one.

    6. Brandy Ellen Writes

      October 05, 2020 at 7:47 pm

      This recipe makes chicken thighs look delicious. I always struggle with what to make with chicken thighs, and now you've shared a delightful recipe idea. I really need to get an air fryer.

    7. Chef Dennis

      October 06, 2020 at 2:44 am

      5 stars
      Yum! I can't wait to have this Air Fryer Chicken Thighs on my plate! Looks really delicious and mouthwatering!

    8. Jennifer Van Haitsma

      October 06, 2020 at 4:19 am

      This looks so good! We may have to try to see if Prime Day has a good air fryer sale. I've been wanting to get one for a long time.

    9. Nathalie Vorche

      October 06, 2020 at 4:36 am

      5 stars
      I love chicken and Im always finding new recipes for it! It is really good

    10. Catalina

      October 06, 2020 at 5:01 am

      5 stars
      I am drooling over these chicken thighs! They look so amazing and inviting!

    11. Nikki Wayne

      October 06, 2020 at 6:13 am

      5 stars
      Thanks for the recipe!

    12. Terri A Steffes

      October 06, 2020 at 7:11 am

      We love our chicken thighs and so I am going to share this with my husband. I think this would be a great basic way to make your thighs. Thanks!

    13. Lynndee

      October 06, 2020 at 8:56 am

      Those look good! I've been thinking about getting me an air fryer. We'll see.

    14. Bolupe

      October 06, 2020 at 12:18 pm

      I like the look of this air fryer chicken thigh, I will definitely be making this. I love my chicken to be spicy.

    15. Swathi

      October 06, 2020 at 10:35 pm

      5 stars
      Air fryer chicken thighs looks delicious perfect for week night dinner.

    16. Jessica Formicola

      October 07, 2020 at 6:12 am

      5 stars
      I've been making more and more recipes in my air fryer, now I have to try these chicken thighs! What a delicious and easy recipe!

    17. Nathan

      October 07, 2020 at 11:26 am

      5 stars
      Wow, this looks absolutely delicious! The air fryer option is great for getting rid of some of that oil, and I love that you've included oven directions as well!

    18. Emmeline

      October 07, 2020 at 11:31 am

      5 stars
      This chicken looks YUMMY! I need some of this right now. Thanks for including instructions for making it in the oven since I sadly don't have an airfryer yet..

    19. Cathleen

      October 07, 2020 at 11:49 am

      5 stars
      This recipe is making me want to buy an air fryer so bad! Looking forward to Black Friday for a deal on air fryers!!

    20. Katie

      October 07, 2020 at 11:55 am

      5 stars
      Looks so yummy and unique! Can't wait to try this one.

    21. Dannii

      October 07, 2020 at 12:20 pm

      5 stars
      These look so crispy and delicious. The perfect way to eat chicken.

    22. Ruth I

      October 08, 2020 at 3:00 am

      I love chicken! my to go food is chicken in any recipe type. I love how chicken has already a flavor in its own. This recipe is has many flavors going on. I'm excited to try this one! I love this recipe thank you for sharing!

    23. Agnes

      October 12, 2020 at 3:58 am

      I tried cooking once on an air fryer and I am not that convinced as the chicken did not cooked evenly. But, I am open to still using it.

    24. Rika Livingston

      October 14, 2020 at 10:53 am

      You're welcome!

    25. Rika Livingston

      October 14, 2020 at 10:54 am

      I think you should get it, Lynndee!

    26. Rika Livingston

      October 14, 2020 at 10:54 am

      The chicken thighs came out really crispy! Spicy taste sounds good to me too!

    27. Rika Livingston

      October 14, 2020 at 10:56 am

      You're welcome, Nikki!

    28. Rika Livingston

      October 14, 2020 at 10:58 am

      This recipe works well in the oven too, Beth!

    29. Rika Livingston

      October 14, 2020 at 10:59 am

      I am glad that you found this recipe useful, Brandy!

    30. Rika Livingston

      October 14, 2020 at 10:59 am

      Sure they will have good sales during Thanksgiving/BlackFriday!

    31. Rika Livingston

      October 14, 2020 at 10:59 am

      Thanks, Catalina!

    32. Rika Livingston

      October 14, 2020 at 11:00 am

      It works perfectly in the oven as well!

    33. Rika Livingston

      October 14, 2020 at 11:00 am

      Absolutely! Use little oil and save on calories!

    34. Rika Livingston

      October 14, 2020 at 11:01 am

      I am sure they will have the best sale for air fryer on Black Friday!

    35. Rika Livingston

      October 14, 2020 at 11:02 am

      Don't forget to preheat the air fryer before using it! I hope this recipe will turn out well for you!

    36. Rika Livingston

      October 14, 2020 at 11:05 am

      I hope you will find a good air fryer, Amber!

    Did you like this recipe? Leave a star rating! I'd appreciate it!

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    How I Relax with Straight Up Tea

    Hi, I'm Rika! Through Posh Journal I share my passion for food, travel and other things I enjoy along the way.  Don’t let the name fool you, most of my recipes are easy to cook and can be enjoyed on a daily basis. 

    More about me

    Popular Posts

    • Healthy Baked Chicken Tenders (Oven-Fried Chicken Strips)
    • Fish Soup (Flavorful and Easy!)
    • Roasted Baby Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic
    • Perfect Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

    Featured On

    As Featured On

    © 2021–2022 poshjournal

    2311 shares
    • 50