air fryer chicken thighs
This recipe delivers crispy and juicy chicken thighs using an air fryer, making it a quick and healthy choice for dinner. Seasoned to perfection, these thighs cook in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods.
Equipment
- 1 air fryer
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 meat thermometer
- 1 tongs
- 1 cooking brush
Ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for crispy skin.
- In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and regular paprika to create a spice mix.
- Rub the spice mix evenly over the chicken thighs, ensuring to get underneath the skin for maximum flavor.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin side up, without overcrowding.
- Cook the chicken thighs in the air fryer for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until a meat thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the thigh.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve the chicken thighs hot, garnished with your choice of herbs or lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
You can customize the spice mix to your preference by adding other herbs or spices such as cayenne pepper for heat.
For even crisper skin, you can air fry the chicken thighs for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Leftover chicken thighs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the air fryer for a quick meal.