Golden skin that crackles under your fork, tender meat that stays juicy with every bite—these crispy air fryer chicken thighs are your weeknight hero. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have dinner on the table with almost no mess to clean up after.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Extra crispy skin with tender meat
- Simple pantry ingredients
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Low carb and keto-friendly
Tips for the Crispiest Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Preheat your air fryer so the chicken starts cooking instantly
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning
- Cook skin side down first so fat renders
- Don’t overcrowd the basket for even air circulation
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (trim excess fat and skin)
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp onion powder
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Meat thermometer
- Cooking spray (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 380°F and let it run for 5 minutes. Spray the basket lightly if you want extra insurance against sticking.
Step 2 – Season the Chicken
Place chicken in a zip-top bag or bowl. Add salt, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, and onion powder. Shake or toss until coated on all sides.
Step 3 – Cook Skin Side Down
Arrange thighs skin side down in the basket. Cook for 12 minutes so the skin fat renders without burning.
Step 4 – Flip for Crispiness
Turn thighs skin side up. Cook another 10–15 minutes. For extra crunch, cook in 4-minute bursts until the skin reaches your liking.
Step 5 – Check Internal Temperature
Use your meat thermometer to confirm 165°F in the thickest part. Serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
These crispy air fryer chicken thighs pair perfectly with cauliflower mac and cheese, green beans with bacon, or a bright broccoli salad.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store cooled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 4–5 minutes to bring back the crisp.
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe Card
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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs for a Delicious Dinner
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Golden skin that crackles under your fork, tender meat that stays juicy with every bite—these crispy air fryer chicken thighs are your weeknight hero. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have dinner on the table with almost no mess.
Ingredients
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (trimmed of excess fat and skin)
½ tsp kosher salt
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp oregano
½ tsp onion powder
Instructions
1. Preheat air fryer to 380°F for 5 minutes; spray with cooking spray if desired.
2. Place chicken thighs in zip-top bag or bowl; add salt, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, onion powder; shake to coat.
3. Place thighs skin side down in air fryer; cook 12 minutes.
4. Flip skin side up; cook 10–15 minutes more. For extra crispiness, cook in 4-minute increments until desired.
5. Check internal temperature in thickest part; it should reach 165°F.
6. Serve immediately.
Notes
Cooking time varies by thigh size and air fryer wattage.
May need batch cooking for smaller fryers.
Preheating and drying chicken improves crispiness.
Serve with sides like cauliflower mac and cheese, green beans with bacon, or broccoli salad.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Air Fryer Recipes
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thigh
- Calories: 239
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 0g
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 96mg
More Such Recipes
Try my Air Fryer Chicken Breasts for Juicy and Flavorful Meals for another easy dinner.
Or bake up comfort with Creamy Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs for Comfort Food Lovers.
If you love crispy skin, check out Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs with Perfectly Crispy Skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to do crispy chicken thighs in the air fryer?
Preheat the fryer, pat the chicken dry, season well, and cook skin side down first before flipping to crisp the skin.
How much time does it take to cook chicken thighs in an air fryer?
It usually takes 22–27 minutes depending on size and fryer wattage.
How to make chicken go crispy in an air fryer?
Dry the skin thoroughly, season, and allow enough space in the basket for air to circulate.
What is the secret to crispy air fryer?
Preheating, not overcrowding, and cooking skin side down first for fat rendering.
Final Thoughts
These crispy air fryer chicken thighs are the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’ve done something special, even on a rushed Tuesday night. Try them once, and you’ll find yourself making them again and again. Share your plate on Pinterest or tag me on Facebook I’d love to see your take.