The Best Crispy Air-Fryer Chicken Thighs

The Best Crispy Air-Fryer Chicken Thighs

When I don’t know what to make for dinner, I make these chicken thighs.  They are as crispy and golden as can be, without frying and with NO extra oil. And who doesn’t love a meal that’s ready in 30 minutes?

I get my meat monthly from Butcher Box, and I won’t lie – it’s one of my favorite investments. It’s so convenient and I know that I’m always getting a selection of cuts that are high quality and humanely raised. I don’t eat meat at every meal, but when I do, I like to know where my meat is coming from!

Before we get started, there are 3 simple things you can do to get that delicious crispy, golden brown skin every single time. First things first, don’t pull your chicken out of the refrigerator moments before it goes into the air fryer, you want to give it time to come down to room temperature a little. This ensures that you’re not steaming your thighs with the extra moisture they’re holding on to. Second, you absolutely must pat your chicken dry. Again, moisture is not your friend here! And finally, preheating the air fryer before cooking means they get a hot blast of air from the very beginning – that equals crispy skin without overcooking the meat.

Okay, so who’s making this?

Watch Me Make My Crispy Air-Fryer Chicken Thighs

If you’re in need of some more air fryer recipes, be sure to follow me on Facebook, or see all of my favorites (and so many other delicious recipes!) over on Pinterest.

How To Make My Crispy Air-Fryer Chicken Thighs

Step 1. Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees for 5 minutes.

Step 2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel.

Step 3. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and oregano.  Rub the seasoning well all over the chicken then transfer to the air fryer, skin side down.

Step 4. Air fry for 12 minutes, then flip the chicken over and cook for 10-12 minutes more until golden and crispy and cooked through in the center.

Step 5. Enjoy!

What Else Can I Use?

  • You can use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts, just adjust the time as needed.  White meat cooks a bit faster than dark typically but it will depend on the size of the breasts.
  • This method works great with chicken wings as well, just reduce the cooking time as needed.
  • This rub is great for salmon and shrimp as well.
  • No air fryer?  I suggest making my No-Fuss Crispy Chicken Thighs

My Crispy Air-Fryer Chicken Thighs are special because:

They’re fast and delicious!
Thighs are often a less expensive cut of meat
The rub is made up of spices that you almost certainly already have on hand

More Quick And Easy Air Fryer Favorites:

The Best Air Fryer Salmon
Maple Gochujang Salmon (Air Fryer AND Oven!)
Air Fried Artichoke Salad with Lemon Parmesan Dressing

If you make my Crispy Air-Fryer Chicken Thighs, and I hope you do, please leave me a comment here and rate the recipe. Your feedback means a lot to me! You can also post to Instagram and tag me so I can share your creations!

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The Best Crispy Air-Fryer Chicken Thighs

Kat Ashmore
This is the recipe I turn to when I don't know what to make for dinner.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 6 chicken thighs with bone and skin
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees for 5 minutes.
  • Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel.
  • In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and oregano. Rub the seasoning well all over the chicken then transfer to the air fryer, skin side down.
  • Air fry for 12 minutes, then flip the chicken over and cook for 10-12 minutes more until golden and crispy and cooked through in the center.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 18gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 111mgSodium: 475mgPotassium: 242mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 0.1gVitamin A: 104IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 14mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Air Fryer, chicken, Poultry
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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2 thoughts on “The Best Crispy Air-Fryer Chicken Thighs”

  • 5 stars
    Love these! I have been looking for a quick and easy recipe for chicken thighs and this is perfect. One question, how long should I cook them if I want to use boneless thighs? Thanks!

    • Hi Mendy, I would try around 8 minutes each side, but it might take a little bit of experimenting to get just right! Let me know how you get on!
      Enjoy,
      Kat.

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