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Easy • Chicken

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Achieve perfectly crispy, juicy chicken thighs in your air fryer with minimal effort.

Prep
5 min
Cook
20 min
Servings
2
Level
Easy
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Say hello to your new favorite weeknight chicken! These Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are an absolute game-changer. They come out incredibly juicy on the inside with a satisfyingly crispy skin, all with far less oil and fuss than traditional frying. Your air fryer is about to become your best friend!

Ingredients

Yield: 2 servings

Main

  • 2 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 6-8 oz each)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp paprika (smoked or regular)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Pat the chicken thighs very dry with paper towels. This is key for crispy skin!

  2. Step 2

    In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the chicken thighs with olive oil, then rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken, including under the skin if desired.

  3. Step 3

    Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.

  4. Step 4

    Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd (cook in batches if necessary). Do not overlap.

  5. Step 5

    Cook for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) with an instant-read thermometer and the skin is deeply golden and crispy. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and chicken size.

  6. Step 6

    Remove chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps keep them juicy.

Tips

  • For extra crispy skin, spray a light mist of cooking oil over the chicken before air frying.
  • Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning blend for a bit of a kick.
  • Serve with your favorite roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or mashed potatoes.

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