November 29, 2023
Review RecipeAir Fryer Chicken Thighs
These air fryer chicken thighs offer irresistibly flavorful indulgence with the added benefit of the air fryer cooking method, making them a must-try dish.
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Table of Contents
Dig into our mouthwatering air fryer chicken thighs, where a golden, crisp skin gives way to tender, flavorful meat. With each bite, you’ll enjoy a combination of smoky paprika, aromatic Italian seasoning, and a hint of garlic and onion.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Ingredients
These air fryer chicken thighs offer a flavorful experience.
The chicken thighs are succulent and crispy. Smoked paprika brings a smoky, slightly sweet taste, while Italian seasoning infuses Mediterranean herbs, garlic, and onion powder to add savory depth.
Overall, these chicken thighs are a delicious blend of savory and subtly smoky flavors.
You’ll need:
- 4 pieces (approximately 2-2½ pounds) of bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
- ¾ teaspoon of smoked paprika
- ¾ teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon of onion powder
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- ¼ teaspoon of black pepper
- chopped fresh parsley, optional garnish
PRO TIP:
These air fryer chicken thighs are easy to make and can be seasoned ahead for a minimum of 30 minutes to 1 hour or up to 24 hours. Refrigerate the seasoned chicken thighs covered with plastic wrap.
Allow the marinated chicken thighs to rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before air frying to ensure the chicken cooks evenly. This is optional but allows the chicken to marinate and absorb the seasoning flavors.
Substitutions and Additions
CHICKEN THIGHS: If preferred, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a leaner option in this easy recipe.
Alternatively, try bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks for a different flavor profile.
SMOKED PAPRIKA: Swap smoked paprika for regular paprika if you prefer a milder flavor. For a smokier kick, experiment with chipotle powder.
ITALIAN SEASONING: Customize the blend by adding or omitting specific herbs according to your taste. Fresh herbs like basil and rosemary can also be used for a more vibrant flavor.
LEMON ZEST: For a citrus twist, add some lemon zest to the seasoning mix to brighten up the flavors.
HEAT: If you enjoy spiciness, incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the seasoning for a kick of heat.
FRESH HERBS: Besides parsley, try garnishing with fresh cilantro, chives, or basil for a herbal touch.
PARMESAN CHEESE: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on the chicken thighs before air frying for a cheesy, crispy crust.
How To Make This Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe
Let’s have a look at how to season the chicken thighs before cooking them in your air fryer.
OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS
The air fryer used to develop this recipe is a Cosori brand 6.8-quart. Since the sizes and power can differ from brand to brand, you will want to watch your chicken thighs as they air fry.
If you have a smaller-sized fry basket, you may need to cook your chicken thighs in two batches to ensure you are not overcrowding the fryer basket.
STEP ONE: Place the bone-in chicken thighs onto a plate and, with a paper towel, pat dry both sides of each piece of chicken.
Brush each chicken thigh with a thin coating of olive oil on both sides.
STEP TWO: Combine the smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
Sprinkle half the seasoning mix onto one side of the chicken thighs and flip them over to sprinkle the remaining half of the seasoning mix.
Be sure that your chicken thighs are evenly coated with the seasoning mix.
STEP THREE: Preheat the air fryer for three to four minutes at 375°F. Once preheated, place the seasoned thighs skin side down into the air fryer basket.
Be sure that the chicken is in a single layer with a bit of space between each piece to allow the hot air to circulate around each piece evenly while air frying.
STEP FOUR: Fry on the first side for 12 minutes, flip the chicken thighs over so they are skin side up, and continue frying for an additional 12-18 minutes.
Be sure to check your chicken thighs for doneness at the 24-minute mark and continue to air fry in 2-3 minute increments until the internal temperature at the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F.
Allow the chicken thighs to rest for eight to ten minutes before garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and serving.
PRO TIP:
If your chicken thigh skin gets too crispy or dry, spritz it with a little olive oil spray for the last few minutes of air frying to keep the skin moist.
If you prefer crispier chicken skin, then you can omit this option.
How To Serve
Pair these delectable air-fried chicken thighs with a simple Caesar salad and mushroom rice for a quick and easy dinner.
Add your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or tzatziki for extra flavor options.
Create chicken thigh sandwiches with fresh buns, lettuce, and a dollop of garlic mayo for a satisfying lunch option.
Slice the cooked chicken and serve it over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes drizzled with rich gravy for a comforting dinner.
Make chicken tacos by shredding the meat and filling soft tortillas with your favorite toppings like salsa, cheese, and guacamole.
We’ve got you covered if you are looking for more easy air fryer recipes. Check out our air fryer honey garlic chicken and air fryer meatloaf.
MORE AIR FRYER RECIPES
When to Serve
CASUAL MOVIE NIGHT: These air fryer chicken thighs are perfect for a relaxed movie night. Their texture and savory flavors make them an ideal finger food.
FAMILY BBQ: Impress your family at your next barbecue gathering with these succulent chicken thighs. They’re easy to prepare and add a flavorful twist to the traditional BBQ fare.
GAME DAY PARTY: These crispy thighs are a touchdown at any game-day party. Serve them with dipping sauces and watch them disappear.
POTLUCK DINNER: Bring a crowd-pleaser to your next potluck. These chicken thighs are easy to transport and guaranteed to be a hit.
Storage
If you would like to prepare ahead of time or store leftovers, we have a few suggestions to help you out.
MAKE AHEAD: You can season the chicken ahead of time, refrigerate it covered with plastic wrap for 30 minutes to 24 hours, and let it rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before air frying.
IN THE FRIDGE: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for one to two days. Reheat in the air fryer or at 350°F until crisp and warmed through.
IN THE FREEZER: Freeze cooked chicken thighs in an airtight container for up to three months. Reheat in the air fryer or oven until heated through.
REHEATING: To reheat, simply use the air fryer, oven, or microwave until the chicken is warmed to your liking.
Why We Love This Recipe
QUICK AND EASY: Our air fryer chicken thighs come together effortlessly, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
CRISPY PERFECTION: The air fryer achieves that coveted crispy skin while keeping the meat tender and juicy inside, giving you the best of both worlds.
VERSATILE FLAVOR: The seasoning blend in this recipe delivers a balanced, flavorful profile that pairs well with various sides and accompaniments.
CROWD-PLEASER: Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, this chicken thighs recipe never fails to impress with its delectable taste and texture.
Our air fryer chicken thighs are a dish that combines ease of preparation with fantastic flavor. With a crispy exterior and juicy meat, these chicken thighs will surely become a favorite in your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs?
Yes, you can. Adjust the cooking time as boneless chicken thighs cook slightly faster.
Can I make this recipe for a large group?
You can easily double or triple the ingredients to serve a crowd. Adjust the air fryer batches accordingly.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Can I use different seasonings?
Feel free to customize the seasonings to your taste.
Do I need to flip the chicken thighs while cooking?
Flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking and crispy skin.
Can I use frozen chicken thighs?
It’s recommended to thaw the chicken thighs before air frying for even cooking.
Can I use a different brand or size of an air fryer?
Yes, just keep an eye on your chicken thighs and adjust the cooking time if necessary.
What should I do if my chicken skin gets too crispy?
You can lightly spritz it with olive oil spray during the last few minutes of cooking.
Can I marinate the chicken longer than one hour?
You can marinate for up to 24 hours in the fridge for even more flavor.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins
- Air Fryer Whole Chicken
- Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
- Air Fryer Roast Beef
- Air Fryer Pizza
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
These air fryer chicken thighs offer irresistibly flavorful indulgence with the added benefit of the air fryer cooking method, making them a must-try dish.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4
Ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken thighs bone-in and skin-on (approximately 2-2½ pounds)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, extra virgin
- ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¾ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- chopped fresh parsley, optional garnish
Instructions
- Place the chicken thighs onto a plate and, with a paper towel, pat dry both sides of each piece of chicken. Brush each chicken thigh with a thin coating of olive oil on both sides.
- Combine the smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle half the seasoning mix onto one side of the chicken thighs and flip them over to sprinkle the remaining half of the seasoning mix. Be sure that your chicken thighs are evenly coated with the seasoning mix.
- Preheat the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 375°F. Once preheated, place the seasoned chicken thighs skin side down into the fryer basket. Be sure that the chicken is in a single layer with a bit of space between each piece to allow the hot air to circulate around each piece evenly while air frying.
- Fry on the first side for 12 minutes, flip the chicken thighs over (skin side up), and continue frying for an additional 12-18 minutes. Be sure to check your chicken thighs for doneness at the 24-minute mark and continue to air fry in 2-3 minute increments until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Allow the chicken thighs to rest for 8-10 minutes before garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and serving.
Notes
- These air fryer chicken thighs are easy to make and can be seasoned ahead for a minimum of 30 minutes to 1 hour or up to 24 hours. Refrigerate the seasoned chicken thighs covered with plastic wrap. Allow the marinated chicken thighs to rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before air frying to ensure the chicken cooks evenly. This is optional but allows the chicken to marinate and absorb the seasoning flavors.
- The air fryer used to develop this recipe is a Cosori brand 6.8-quart. Since the sizes and power can differ from brand to brand, you will want to watch your chicken thighs as they air fry. If you have a smaller-sized fry basket, you may need to cook your chicken thighs in two batches to ensure you are not overcrowding the fryer basket.
- If your chicken thigh skin gets too crispy or dry, spritz it with a little olive oil spray for the last few minutes of air frying to keep the skin moist. If you prefer crispier chicken skin, then you can omit this option.
Nutrition
Calories: 38kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 0.4g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 292mg | Potassium: 24mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 193IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 0.3mg
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