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A plate of crispy, golden-brown air fryer chicken thighs, one sliced to show the juicy interior.

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs: The Crispiest, Juiciest Recipe!

These Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are unbelievably easy, delivering impossibly crispy skin and succulent, juicy meat in under 30 minutes. A simple spice rub of smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powder creates a savory, golden-brown crust. This foolproof recipe is the perfect quick and easy weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs about 4-6 thighs
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground

Equipment

  • 1 Air Fryer Basket-style or oven-style
  • 1 Mixing Bowl Small, for seasonings
  • 1 Meat Thermometer Instant-read is recommended

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and rub to coat, then sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over all sides.
  2. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  3. Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin-side down. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if needed to ensure proper air circulation.
  4. Air fry for 10 minutes. Using tongs, flip the chicken thighs over so they are skin-side up.
  5. Continue to cook for another 8-12 minutes, until the skin is golden-brown and crispy. The chicken is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (not touching bone) registers at least 165°F (74°C).
  6. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.

Notes

For Boneless, Skinless Thighs: Reduce total cook time to 12-16 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Crispy Skin Tip: The most crucial step is patting the chicken completely dry before seasoning. Any moisture on the skin will steam instead of crisp.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness.