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Hey there, fellow food lovers! If you’re looking for a quick and tasty dinner, I’ve got just the thing for you: My Crispy Air Fried Chicken Thigh Recipe!
This Air Fried Chicken Thigh is super easy and gets you the most juicy chicken thighs with perfectly crispy skin. Plus, it’s healthier than traditional frying since it uses less oil.
Who knew you could have crispy chicken without all the grease? Well, I suppose you would if you’re an air fryer regular, haha!
The chicken turns out so flavorful with this recipe. Perfectly cooked chicken is really a thing to behold.
It’s now one of our favorite ways to enjoy chicken, especially on busy weeknights when time is short. You know I love an easy recipe.
Plus, I love that I don’t have to deal with a greasy kitchen afterward—less cleanup equals more time to binge my favorite shows!
I think Jeremy would eat this every night if I let him. Lily said he’ll turn into a chicken if he does that. Ha!! True story!
So, grab your air fryer basket, and let’s get cooking an Air Fried Chicken Thigh or ten!
Some of our other favorite chicken recipes we have on our site include: Cheesy Baked Potato Chip Chicken Tenders, Chinese Chicken Recipe, and Italian Lemon Chicken Foil Packet.
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- Quick Cooking Time: Using an air fryer reduces the cook time, getting dinner on the table faster.
- Flavorful Seasoning Blend: A mix of garlic powder, onion powder, and spices makes the chicken irresistibly tasty.
- Healthier Option: Air frying uses less oil, making it a healthier choice without sacrificing that crispy skin.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- Chicken thighs
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Dried thyme
- Salt
- Black pepper
HOW TO MAKE AIR FRIED CHICKEN THIGH:
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F.
- In a bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the mixture all over the chicken thighs.
- Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray.
- Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin side down.
- Air fry for 23 minutes, turning halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
CAN I USE A DIFFERENT CUT OF CHICKEN?
Absolutely! One of the great things about this recipe is how flexible it is.
You can use boneless skinless chicken thighs, chicken drumsticks, or even chicken breasts if that’s what you’ve got in the fridge.
Just remember that different cuts might need a tweak in the cooking time.
For boneless cuts like breasts or thighs, reduce the time to about 15-18 minutes. But don’t just set it and forget it—always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.
Trust me, guessing can lead to undercooked or overcooked chicken. That’s the last thing you want!
CAN THIS BE MADE AHEAD?
Yes, indeed! This recipe is perfect for meal prep or planning ahead.
You can season the chicken thighs with the spice mix and store them in an airtight container or a zip-top bag in the refrigerator.
Letting the chicken marinate in the spices not only saves you time later but also makes the flavors even more delicious.
When you’re ready to cook, just take the chicken out of the fridge while you preheat your air fryer.
Then, pop them in, and in no time, dinner is ready!
It’s a lifesaver on those nights when you’re too tired to cook but still want a home-cooked meal.
Future you will thank past you for the thoughtful preparation!
ANY ADDITIONS?
Chicken cooks so easily in the air fryer. I love my kitchen gadgets!
Here are some ideas if you want to add a little something to the recipe.
- Smoked Paprika: Swap regular paprika for smoked to add a smoky flavor.
- Chili Powder: Sprinkle for a spicy kick.
- Brown Sugar: Add a touch for a sweet glaze.
- Lemon Zest: Grate over the chicken for a citrusy punch.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For extra heat.
- Fresh Herbs: Add chopped rosemary or parsley after cooking.
- Avocado Oil: Use instead of olive oil for a different taste.
- Garlic Butter: Brush on melted garlic butter before serving.
- Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle on top during the last few minutes.
- Honey Mustard Glaze: Drizzle over cooked chicken for sweetness.
ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
Bring it on! If you have any other options, let me know in the comments.
You guys always have such great ideas!
- Olive Oil: Use avocado oil or vegetable oil.
- Dried Thyme: Substitute with oregano or Italian seasoning.
- Paprika: Use smoked paprika or cayenne pepper.
- Black Pepper: White pepper works too.
- Salt: Sea salt or kosher salt are good alternatives.
- Chicken Thighs: Try air fryer chicken legs or wings.
HOW TO STORE:
Refrigerator
- Place leftovers in an airtight container.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
Freezer
- Let the cooked chicken thighs cool completely.
- Wrap in foil or freezer bags.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Pat Dry the Chicken: Use a paper towel to remove excess moisture for crispier skin.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Place chicken in a single layer in the air fryer for even cooking.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: A preheated air fryer ensures better results.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Check the thickest part of the thigh to ensure it’s cooked through.
- Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to tweak the seasoning mix to your liking.
- Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to lock in juices.
There you have it!
An easy recipe for air fried chicken thigh that’s perfect for any night of the week.
It’s a delicious way to enjoy chicken without much oil or fuss.
Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become a staple in your kitchen just like it is in mine. Happy cooking!
Best Air Fried Chicken Thigh Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 pounds chicken thighs
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F.
- In a bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Rub the mixture all over the chicken thighs.2 pounds chicken thighs
- Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray.
- Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin side down.
- Air fry for 23 minutes, turning halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Pat Dry the Chicken: Use a paper towel to remove excess moisture for crispier skin.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Place chicken in a single layer in the air fryer for even cooking.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: A preheated air fryer ensures better results.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Check the thickest part of the thigh to ensure it’s cooked through.
- Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to tweak the seasoning mix to your liking.
- Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to lock in juices.
Nutrition
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