This Air Fryer Chicken Thighs recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and features the magic of the air fryer for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! Seriously, it’s comfort food at its best, and you won’t believe how crispy and juicy they turn out!
Ingredient Breakdown
4 bone-in chicken thighs (skin-on): These are juicy and perfect for absorbing all the delicious flavors. If you want a lighter version, feel free to use boneless, skinless thighs!
2 tbsp olive oil: This helps to get the skin nice and crispy. You could also use avocado oil if you prefer.
1 tsp paprika (smoked preferred): Smoked paprika brings a lovely depth of flavor that can’t be beat! Regular paprika works too if that’s what you’ve got on hand.
1 tsp garlic powder: The best part is, this gives a fantastic garlic flavor without all the chopping!
1 tsp salt: Just a couple pinches, this really brings out all the flavors.
½ tsp black pepper: Or more, if you like a little kick!
Fresh herbs (optional, e.g., thyme or rosemary): Totally optional, but you could use whatever herbs you have in your fridge or garden for a pop of freshness.
Let’s Get Cooking!
Preheat and Prep the Chicken
First things first, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating up, pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels (this helps to get that crispy skin!). Now drizzle them with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. The smell of the oil and chicken? Absolutely divine!
Season Like a Pro
Grab a bowl and mix together 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Now comes the fun part, rub this seasoning mixture evenly over each thigh, making sure to really get it into the skin so it’s bursting with flavor.
Into the Air Fryer!
Now, for the moment of truth! Place those seasoned thighs in the air fryer basket skin-side up, and make sure they’re in a single layer. You don’t want to overcrowd the air fryer! Cook for 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), use a meat thermometer to check, okay? Oh! And make sure to flip them halfway through cooking for even crispiness; I mean, who doesn’t love all that crispy goodness?
Rest and Serve
Once done, let those tasty thighs rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This step is crucial, trust me! It helps keep all those juices inside. And oh, the smell! Your whole kitchen will be filled with delicious, savory aromas that will have everyone begging to dig in.
If You Loved This Recipe, be sure to check out my Air Fryer Fried Pickles, my Air Fryer Steak Bites, or my Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken! They’re all delicious family favorites as well!
What Makes This Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Special
Quick & Easy
This Air Fryer Chicken Thighs recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights. You can get your family fed without spending hours in the kitchen!
Minimal Cleanup Required
All you need is your air fryer and a bowl. Can you believe it? Minimal dishes equal a happier cook!
Budget-Friendly
Chicken thighs are usually more affordable, making this dish easy on your wallet while still being flavorful and satisfying.
Comfort Food
It’s loaded with tons of flavor, crispy skin, and juicy meat, what more could you want?
Customizable
You can switch up the spices, add different marinades, or use fresh herbs based on what you love and what’s available in your fridge.
Serving and Storage Tips
What to Serve With This
These moist and flavorful chicken thighs are perfect served alongside roasted veggies, a simple salad, or even some buttery mashed potatoes. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce, and you’re in for a treat!
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Leftovers? Yes, please! Store any uneaten chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator; it will keep for about 3-4 days.
Best Method to Reheat
For reheating, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-8 minutes until heated through. This will help retain that crispy skin!
Freezer Friendly?
You can definitely freeze these chicken thighs! Just make sure they cool completely before wrapping them tightly or placing them in a freezer-safe container. They keep well up to 3 months; just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
So there you have it, your new favorite go-to recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Thighs! You won’t be disappointed; they’re juicy, crispy, and full of flavor. Whip these up for a family gathering, a busy weeknight, or just because you want something delicious! Food is truly one of the best ways to bring people together, you know?
And hey, if you have any variations or tips from your own kitchen, please share! I love hearing how you all make these recipes your own. Cooking should be fun and easy, and I’m so excited to see how you make this dish your own!
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Easy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A super flavorful Air Fryer Chicken Thighs recipe that comes together in about 30 minutes for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs (skin-on)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika (smoked preferred)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Fresh herbs (optional, e.g., thyme or rosemary)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
- Drizzle the chicken thighs with olive oil.
- In a bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, then rub the mixture evenly over each chicken thigh.
- Place the seasoned thighs in the air fryer basket skin-side up, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Cook for 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), flipping halfway through.
- Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve with roasted veggies, salad, or mashed potatoes. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg