Indulge in tender, flavorful chicken thighs with this easy and delicious Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe. Using the air fryer yields perfectly cooked chicken thighs with crispy skin on the outside and juicy meat on the inside. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or preparing a meal for guests, this recipe is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the details of how to make mouthwatering chicken thighs in your air fryer.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Thighs:
- Use Bone-in, Skin-on Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are more flavorful and juicier compared to boneless, skinless thighs. The skin crisps up beautifully in the air fryer, adding extra texture and flavor.
- Pat Dry the Chicken: Removing excess moisture from the chicken thighs before seasoning helps them achieve a crispy exterior.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket: Cook the chicken thighs in batches if necessary to ensure they cook evenly and achieve crispy skin.
- Cook to the Right Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken thighs are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are safe to eat.
- Customize the Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasoning blend to suit your taste preferences. Add spices like chili powder, cumin, or smoked paprika for extra flavor.
- Let Them Rest: Allowing the cooked chicken thighs to rest for a few minutes before serving helps redistribute the juices, resulting in juicier meat.
With this Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe, you can enjoy flavorful and juicy chicken thighs with crispy skin in no time. Perfect for any occasion, these chicken thighs are sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. So fire up your air fryer and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal that’s both easy to make and full of flavor!
Air fryer chicken thighs
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to make a marinade.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and place them in a shallow dish.
- Rub the marinade evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well coated.
- Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin-side down.
- Air fry the chicken thighs at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, flip the chicken thighs over and continue to air fry for another 10-12 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) 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.
- Serve the air fryer chicken thighs hot with lemon wedges on the side, if desired.