Air Fryer Chicken Thighs: Crispy, Juicy, and Ridiculously Easy
Cooking chicken thighs in an air fryer is a game-changer for quick, delicious meals. These air fryer chicken thighs come out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, ready in just 20 minutes. A hassle-free recipe that delivers every time.
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This recipe for air fryer chicken thighs is a simple, efficient way to prepare perfectly crispy and juicy chicken. The air fryer ensures the skin becomes golden and crisp while the meat stays tender and flavorful. With minimal prep and just a handful of ingredients, it’s an easy go-to for weeknight dinners or when you need a quick, satisfying meal.
These chicken thighs pair well with a variety of sides, from roasted vegetables to a fresh salad or even mashed potatoes. They’re also versatile enough to be enjoyed with your favorite sauces or marinades.
Ingredients
Chicken Thighs (Bone-in, Skin-on): Choosing bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs ensures maximum flavor and moisture retention. The bone helps keep the meat moist, while the skin crisps up beautifully in the air fryer, providing that irresistible texture. If using boneless or skinless thighs, adjust the cooking time accordingly, as they may cook faster.
Marinade: A mixture of olive oil, dried parsley, dried oregano, onion powder, and garlic powder creates a flavorful blend. The olive oil helps the spices adhere and promotes crispiness, while the dried herbs and powders infuse the chicken with savory, aromatic notes, ensuring a deliciously seasoned finish.
See the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and quantities.
Step-by-step Instructions
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, dried parsley, dried oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Add the chicken thighs and mix well. Let it marinate for 30 minutes to an hour. You can also marinate them overnight in the refrigerator.
Step 3: Place the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, skin side down. Cook the chicken thighs in the air fryer at 380℉ for 12 minutes.
Step 4: After 12 minutes, flip the chicken thighs over using tongs and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the skin is crispy and golden brown.
Expert Tips
- For extra crispy skin, pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels before applying the marinade. Removing excess moisture helps achieve a better crust during air frying.
- Preheating the air fryer for a few minutes before adding the chicken can help achieve an even crispier skin. This ensures the thighs start cooking at the right temperature immediately.
- Any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To restore crispiness, reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Air fryer chicken thighs are versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides. Serve them alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. They also complement creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice, making for a satisfying meal.
Serve it alongside sauce or dip like this green onion dip. These chicken thighs can also be shredded for use in tacos, wraps, or sandwiches, offering delicious leftovers that can be enjoyed in different ways.
More Chicken Recipes
- Discover the perfect blend of simplicity and flavor with this Chicken Khichdi recipe – a wholesome one-pot dish that promises comfort and satisfaction in every bite.
- Cozy up with comfort with red lentil and chicken curry made in the Instant Pot! This easy recipe simmers flavorful spices with melt-in-your-mouth chicken and hearty red lentils for a satisfying, quick meal.
- Need a quick and tasty meal idea? Try this Grilled Chicken Black Bean Burrito Bowl recipe! It’s filling, easy to make, and sure to become a new favorite in your dinner rotation.
- Transform your dinner game with this easy air fryer chicken breast recipe! Juicy, flavorful, and ready in minutes—no breading required. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a tasty meal without all the fuss.
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 lb chicken thighs bone-in and skin-on
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1-1½ teaspoons salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, dried parsley, dried oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pat dry the chicken using paper towels. Add the chicken thighs and mix well. Let it marinate for 30 minutes to an hour. You can also marinate them overnight in the refrigerator.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380℉ for 3 minutes.
- Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin side down, in a single layer. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cook the chicken thighs in the air fryer at 380℉ for 12 minutes.
- After 12 minutes, flip the chicken thighs over using tongs and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165℉ and the skin is crispy and golden brown.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- For extra crispy skin, pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels before applying the marinade. Removing excess moisture helps achieve a better crust during air frying.
- Preheating the air fryer for a few minutes before adding the chicken can help achieve an even crispier skin. This ensures the thighs start cooking at the right temperature immediately.
- Cook the chicken thighs in a single layer, promoting even cooking and crisping. If necessary, cook in batches.
Nutrition
