Description
Crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor, these air fryer chicken thighs are an easy and healthy meal. Perfect for a quick dinner with minimal oil and maximum taste.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on or boneless)
Basic Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Optional Flavor Variations
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (for Mediterranean flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (for a spicy kick)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce + 1 teaspoon honey (for an Asian-inspired glaze)
- 1 teaspoon BBQ seasoning (for a smoky, sweet twist)
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- Lemon wedges or fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Trim any excess fat if needed.
- Season the Chicken
- In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and rub in the seasoning mix evenly.
- Preheat the Air Fryer
- Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for 3 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken
- Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin-side up.
- Cook for 18-22 minutes (bone-in) or 15-18 minutes (boneless), flipping halfway through.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve
- Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon.
Notes
- For extra crispy skin, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy air fryer chicken, easy chicken thigh recipe, healthy air fryer chicken, quick dinner ideas