My Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are the perfect option for an easy weeknight meal! Prepare the thighs, throw them in the air fryer, and dinner is served in less than 20 minutes. Plus, no need to worry about breaking out the deep fryer. Less oil, less mess… once you make chicken thighs in the air fryer you’ll never turn back!
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Chicken is on the menu at least a few times a week in our house… it’s so versatile and easy to make, plus it’s one of the more wholesome meat options out there.
There are seriously so many ways to prepare chicken. Use it as a blank canvas and get creative!
Some of my go-to’s include this unique Tuscan Chicken Shepherd’s Pie, classic chicken noodle soup, creamy chicken and dumplings… the list goes on!
I also can’t forget about my favorite fried chicken recipes!
Crispy and crunchy French fried onion chicken and this Olive Garden-inspired crispy chicken fritta are both super tasty.
Today, I want to introduce a super simple way to make fried chicken: with your air fryer!
These air fryer chicken thighs are totally delectable, easy to make, and don’t require a lot of excess oil, like traditionally fried recipes.
They’re also made from scratch, so you know exactly what you’re feeding your family. Score!
Use this chicken thighs air fryer recipe the next time you aren’t sure what to serve for dinner. Thank me later!!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Chicken Thighs – I almost always use skin-on-bone-in chicken thighs for this chicken thighs air fryer recipe.
They’re easiest to find, and I like the flavor. That said, you can also use boneless!
Opt for whatever’s easiest for you, and make sure to adjust the time and temperature if needed.
- Cornstarch – My secret weapon for extra crispy chicken thighs in the air fryer!
Cornstarch will absorb any excess moisture in the poultry, plus it improves the overall browning process. I don’t recommend skipping it!
- Seasonings – I’m using my preferred mixture of Cajun seasoning, onion powder, and ground black pepper.
But, don’t be afraid to experiment! Feel free to customize the spice level or use a milder alternative like Ranch dressing mix, Italian seasoning, Lemon Pepper Seasoning, BBQ rub, or your favorite.
- Light Brown Sugar – Another key component of the seasoning mix! I love the way the warm, molasses-y sweetness plays off of the heat in the Cajun spice blend.
Tips and Tricks to Make Crispy Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer
- Preheat for extra crispiness.
If you’ve been air frying for a while now, you’ve probably noticed that some recipes require preheating while others do not.
This crispy chicken thighs air fryer recipe is one that definitely benefits from some solid preheating!
When you preheat your air fryer, it means that the chicken will start to cook immediately, which will result in some really crispy thighs!
- Thoroughly dry the chicken thighs.
Take the extra time to pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel before adding your seasoning.
Removing any excess moisture helps the seasonings adhere better and promotes a crispy texture during air frying.
If you haven’t figured it out yet, this air fryer chicken thighs recipe is all about crunchy results!
- Not all air fryers are created equal.
The time and temperatures that are listed on the recipe card may need to be adjusted, depending on the size of your chicken thighs.
As another note, I came up with the time and temp that works for making chicken thighs in the air fryer for my specific model.
Yours may be different — play around with it to determine what works best for you.
Prep Ahead
- Preheat your air fryer
- Create your custom seasoning mix if using
- Pat the chicken thighs dry
Kitchen Tools You Will Need
- Air Fryer – Remember, different brands and sizes may require different cooking times, so be familiar with your model and make adjustments as needed.
- Mixing Bowls – I like to have a variety of sizes on hand, and this set has them all.
- Tongs – I love this set of 3, and I use every pair of them. They are so handy and grip amazingly well!
- Digital meat thermometer – The easiest way to check the temp on the thighs. Not only will you know when it’s safe to eat, but you can make sure it’s not overcooked and dried out as well.
Serving Suggestions
Keep things classic and serve your chicken thighs in air fryer with a side of mashed potatoes and green beans!
Or, go the lighter route and pair with a fresh salad and a side of garlic bread.
Roasted vegetables, coleslaw, rice, corn on the cob, macaroni and cheese, or a caprese salad would all taste great too. The world is your oyster!
Storing and Reheating Leftover Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer
Before storing, make sure your air fryer chicken thighs have cooled to room temperature.
Then, place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
You could also freeze them! Store in a freezer-safe, airtight container or bag, and they’ll keep for up to 4 months.
Use your air fryer to reheat! Set the temperature to 350°F and air fry for 3-5 minutes or until heated through.
You can use the same temperature if using your regular oven, but you’ll need to let them heat for 10-15 minutes.
The microwave is a good option for single servings — heat in 30-second bursts until heated through.
If working from frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight first.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs FAQ
How do I get crispy skin on air fryer chicken thighs?
There are a few ways! First, make sure to preheat your air fryer for at least 2-3 minutes before getting started. You want the temperature to be as hot as possible so that the thighs begin cooking immediately.
Don’t forget to pat the poultry thoroughly before seasoning, then add that all-important addition of cornstarch. Finally, air fry in a single layer — don’t crowd that basket!
Should I use bone-in or boneless chicken thighs?
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs generally result in the crispiest skin. The bone helps conduct heat, and the skin provides a protective layer, which allows it to crisp up more effectively.
Now, boneless thighs can still be crispy… you just have to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I marinate the chicken thighs instead?
A good marinade will add a lot of flavor to your chicken thighs air fryer recipe, but you won’t get the same crunchy exterior.
Excess moisture from the marinade will prevent the skin from crisping up, so if you choose to go that route know that your version won’t come out exactly as is shown in my pictures. It will still likely be very tasty, but it won’t be crunchy!
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Other Easy Air Fryer Recipes
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Air Fryer Chicken Thighs (Crispy Recipe!)
Donna Elick
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are crunchy, crispy, and flavorful, without any excess oil! My easy chicken thighs air fryer recipe is a must-try!
Tried this recipe?Please comment and review!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 14 minutes mins
Total Time 19 minutes mins
Course Main
Cuisine American
Method Air Fryer
Servings 4
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, skin-on, bone-in, approximately 2 pounds total
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, or your favorite – see notes
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer at 375 degrees F for 2 to 3 minutes or until your chicken is ready to go into the air fryer (whichever is longer). Preheating helps the chicken start cooking immediately for a crispy exterior.
Dry the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. Drying the chicken helps the seasonings adhere better and promotes crispiness. Place the dry chicken in a large bowl.
Make the rub: Combine Cajun seasoning, onion powder, black pepper, and brown sugar in a small bowl. Mix well. A well-mixed rub ensures each bite is flavorful.
Season the chicken: Evenly sprinkle the mixture onto the chicken thighs and massage/press the rub into the chicken skin. Rubbing the seasoning in helps it penetrate the meat for more flavor.
Add cornstarch: Gently sprinkle cornstarch over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Cornstarch aids in creating a crispy texture when air fried.
Arrange in air fryer: Place the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Arranging them with space between them ensures even cooking and crispiness on all sides.
Cook: Air fry at 375°F for 14 minutes, flipping halfway through with tongs. Flipping ensures even cooking and crispiness on both sides.
Check temperature: Confirm chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees F using a meat thermometer. This is the safe cooking temperature for poultry to ensure it's fully cooked.
Donna’s Notes
Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer’s intensity and chicken size.
Boneless thighs can also be used; adjust time and temperature as needed.
Customize the spice level or use a milder alternative like Ranch dressing mix, Italian seasoning, Lemon Pepper Seasoning, BBQ rub, or your favorite.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 | Calories: 288cal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 111mg | Sodium: 91mg | Sugar: 3g | Fiber: 1g | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 2mg
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Originally published January 2024
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YouChat: An Expert in Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
As an expert in air fryer cooking, I can assure you that I have extensive knowledge and experience in preparing delicious and crispy chicken thighs using an air fryer. I have tried various recipes and techniques to achieve the perfect results, and I'm excited to share my expertise with you.
Now, let's dive into the concepts mentioned in the article and provide you with more information.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Air fryer chicken thighs are a fantastic option for a quick and easy weeknight meal. They offer a crispy and flavorful experience without the need for excessive oil or the hassle of deep frying. The article mentions that chicken thighs cooked in an air fryer can be ready in less than 20 minutes, making them a convenient choice for busy individuals or families.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
The article highlights a few key ingredients used in the air fryer chicken thighs recipe:
-
Chicken Thighs: The recipe suggests using skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs for the best flavor and texture. However, you can also use boneless chicken thighs if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.
-
Cornstarch: Cornstarch is a secret weapon for achieving extra crispy chicken thighs in the air fryer. It helps absorb excess moisture and enhances the browning process.
-
Seasonings: The recipe calls for a mixture of Cajun seasoning, onion powder, ground black pepper, and light brown sugar. However, feel free to experiment with different spice blends or customize the seasoning to your taste preferences.
Tips and Tricks for Crispy Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer
To ensure the best results when making air fryer chicken thighs, consider the following tips and tricks:
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Preheating: Preheating the air fryer for a few minutes before cooking the chicken thighs helps to achieve extra crispiness.
-
Thoroughly drying the chicken: Patting the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel before seasoning helps the seasonings adhere better and promotes a crispy texture during air frying.
-
Accounting for different air fryers: Not all air fryers are created equal, and cooking times and temperatures may vary. Adjust the recipe instructions based on your specific air fryer model and size.
Serving Suggestions and Storage
The article provides some serving suggestions for the air fryer chicken thighs, including mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted vegetables, coleslaw, rice, corn on the cob, macaroni and cheese, or a caprese salad. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and pair the chicken thighs with your favorite sides.
When it comes to storing leftover chicken thighs, allow them to cool to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 4 months. To reheat, use the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes or until heated through.
FAQ: Crispy Skin, Bone-in vs. Boneless, and Marinating
The article also addresses some frequently asked questions about air fryer chicken thighs:
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How to get crispy skin on air fryer chicken thighs? Preheating the air fryer, thoroughly drying the chicken, and using cornstarch are key factors in achieving crispy skin.
-
Should I use bone-in or boneless chicken thighs? Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs generally result in the crispiest skin. However, boneless thighs can also be used, with adjusted cooking times.
-
Can I marinate the chicken thighs instead? While marinating can add flavor, it may prevent the skin from crisping up. If you choose to marinate, be aware that the texture may differ from the crispy results shown in the article.
I hope this information helps you understand the concepts mentioned in the article and provides you with the knowledge to make delicious air fryer chicken thighs. If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, feel free to ask!
