Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are juicy on the inside, perfectly crispy on the outside, and seasoned with a flavorful blend of herbs and spices. This quick and easy recipe is ready in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknight dinners.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Tongs
- Paper Towels
- Meat Thermometer
- Plate or serving platter
Ingredients
For the Chicken Thighs
- 6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder optional
- 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar optional for better browning
Instructions
Step 1: Dry the Chicken
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin cook better and keeps the seasoning from sliding off.
- Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
- Drizzle the chicken with olive oil.
- In a small bowl, mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, chili powder, and brown sugar if using.
- Sprinkle the seasoning over the chicken and rub it all over each piece, including under the edges of the skin if possible.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F for about 3 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray if needed.
Step 4: Arrange the Chicken
- Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket skin-side down first. Keep them in a single layer and leave a little space between each piece.
- If your air fryer is small, cook in batches.
Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken
- Cook at 380°F for 10 minutes.
- Flip the chicken thighs skin-side up and cook for another 10 to 12 minutes, or until the skin is golden and the thickest part reaches 165°F.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
- Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- This short rest helps the juices settle, so the chicken stays moist when you cut into it.