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.
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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 a conventional oven. You will save a lot of time in the kitchen!
- 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.
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 them 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!
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.
- 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.
- 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.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Roasted Yellow Squash with Parmesan Cheese
- Summer Squash Casserole
- Roasted Baby Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic
- Baked Mac and Cheese
- Creamy Orzo Risotto
Product used in this recipe: Ninja® Foodi™ Digital Air Fry Oven.
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
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 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1½ teaspoons 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 teaspoons 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
- 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.
melissa chapman says
An air fryer seems like the next important gadget I need to have. Those thighs look perfectly cooked and great for any nice dinner.
Amber Myers says
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.
Rika Livingston says
I hope you will find a good air fryer, Amber!
Monica Simpson says
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.
Tasheena says
This recipe looks amazing. Looking forward to making it for my family.
Beth says
These look so tasty! We don't have an air fryer (yet) but recipes like this make me realize how much I want one.
Rika Livingston says
This recipe works well in the oven too, Beth!
Brandy Ellen Writes says
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.
Rika Livingston says
I am glad that you found this recipe useful, Brandy!
Chef Dennis says
Yum! I can't wait to have this Air Fryer Chicken Thighs on my plate! Looks really delicious and mouthwatering!
Jennifer Van Haitsma says
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.
Rika Livingston says
Sure they will have good sales during Thanksgiving/BlackFriday!
Nathalie Vorche says
I love chicken and Im always finding new recipes for it! It is really good
Catalina says
I am drooling over these chicken thighs! They look so amazing and inviting!
Rika Livingston says
Thanks, Catalina!