Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

If you crave chicken that's impossibly juicy on the inside and outrageously crispy on the outside, these Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are the answer to your dinner dreams! Each bite bursts with savory, garlicky flavors and a golden crust you’d swear came from a deep fryer.

What makes this recipe the very best? It’s practically effortless—just a quick toss in bold spices, then let the air fryer work its magic. The result: weeknight dinner perfection with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or meal prepping for the week, these chicken thighs never disappoint. Inspired by our family's love of comfort food, this is a recipe I turn to again and again for crunchy, crave-worthy chicken—no hot oven required!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Unbeatable crispy skin without deep frying—no mess or extra oil needed
• Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights
• Juicy, tender chicken every time thanks to the air fryer’s quick cooking
• Customizable seasoning to suit any flavor craving
• Kid-approved and naturally gluten-free

Key Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are the star here—they stay extra juicy and flavorful in the air fryer, and the skin crisps up beautifully. Make sure to pat them dry before seasoning for the crispiest results! If you prefer boneless thighs, you can use them, but reduce the cooking time by a few minutes.

Smoked Paprika

Smoked paprika lends a deep, smoky flavor and vibrant color to the chicken. If you only have regular paprika, that works too, but the dish will be missing that subtle earthy smokiness. Try chipotle powder for a spicier twist!

Garlic Powder

Garlic powder infuses every bite with savory, aromatic flavor and ensures even seasoning. If you love fresh garlic, you can mince a clove and rub it under the skin for even more punch.

Olive Oil

A little olive oil helps the seasonings adhere and encourages the skin to become extra crisp. Avocado oil is a great alternative, or use melted butter for a richer flavor.

Italian Seasoning

Italian seasoning brings an herby depth to the blend. No Italian seasoning? Mix dried oregano, basil, and thyme, or swap in your favorite spice mix for a different flavor profile.

Instructions for Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Pat the Chicken Dry

Dry your chicken thighs thoroughly with paper towels. This crucial step ensures the seasonings stick and the skin ends up extra crispy and golden.

Season the Chicken

In a large bowl, toss the chicken thighs with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to rub the seasoning mixture all over, even under the skin if possible, for maximum flavor.

Preheat Your Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and let it preheat for about 3 minutes. Preheating helps the skin crisp up right from the start.

Arrange and Cook

Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip the thighs so the skin is facing up. Continue cooking for 10 more minutes, or until the skin is crisp and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Rest and Serve

Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat ultra-moist and flavorful.

Recipe Variations

Spice It Up

Love a little heat? Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the seasoning mix for spicy air fryer chicken thighs that pack a punch.

Lemon-Herb Twist

Swap Italian seasoning for a blend of fresh or dried rosemary, thyme, and a squeeze of lemon juice before air frying. This bright, herby variation pairs perfectly with roasted veggies.

Boneless & Skinless Option

Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs to lighten things up. They’ll cook faster—start checking for doneness at 15 minutes—and won’t get quite as crispy, but the flavor’s still fantastic.

BBQ Glaze

During the last 2 minutes of cooking, brush the chicken thighs with your favorite barbecue sauce. This creates a sticky, sweet-savory glaze that’s irresistible for summer meals.

Gluten-Free & Low Carb

This recipe is naturally gluten-free and very low in carbs. For an even lighter option, reduce the olive oil or use a cooking spray.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your air fryer chicken thighs with creamy mashed potatoes, crisp roasted veggies, or a fresh garden salad for a well-rounded meal. For a fun finishing touch, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice over the top for extra flavor and color.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 4-5 minutes to restore the crispy skin, or warm in the microwave for 1-2 minutes (though the skin may lose its crunch). You can also freeze cooked chicken thighs for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Chicken Thighs (FAQ)

Q: Can I use frozen chicken thighs in the air fryer?
A: Yes! Add an extra 5-7 minutes to the cooking time and be sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For best results, thaw the chicken first.

Q: How do I keep the skin from sticking to the air fryer basket?
A: Lightly brush or spray the basket with oil before adding the thighs, and avoid overcrowding so air can circulate freely.

Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Cook in batches to avoid overlapping the chicken—this ensures each piece gets perfectly crispy.

These Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are a total game-changer for easy, mouthwatering dinners. Give them a try, then let me know in the comments how they turned out—your feedback and ratings mean the world to me!