Air Fryer Chicken Thighs (Crispy & Juicy!)

These Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are incredibly flavorful and cooked to perfection with crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. Seasoned with just a few spices, lemon, and oil, this quick and easy chicken recipe is convenient enough for a weeknight dinner or a healthy meal prep.

Want more air fryer chicken recipes? Then you have to try our Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Breast, Air Fryer Buffalo Wings, or Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings next!

Whenever I am unsure what to cook for dinner, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs is my go-to. It is simple but so satisfying! This chicken entree pairs perfectly with pretty much any side you can imagine. Plus, it is easy to customize the flavors to suit whatever you are craving that particular night.

Using the air fryer is the best way to cook chicken thighs for that extra crispy skin and without using an oven. Once you air fry chicken, you’ll want to do it all the time. Let me prove it to you!

You’ll love this Easy Air Fryer Chicken Thigh Recipe Because:

• It’s quick and easy to make
• Requires only a few simple ingredients
• No need for excessive amounts of oil to get perfectly crispy chicken
• This chicken pairs well with just about anything!

Ingredients Needed

• Bone-in chicken thighs: I prefer this cut of meat over chicken breasts because the meat is juicier and more flavorful. You can use boneless skinless chicken thighs but then you should reduce the cooking time by a few minutes on each side. This will prevent over-cooking which results in dry chicken.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This helps the seasoning stick to the chicken.
• Lemon: Not only does this add flavor but it also tenderizes the chicken.

Dry Rub For Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

While you can season chicken thighs in so many ways, I love this combination of smoky and savory. It is a blend of common spices that you probably already have stashed in your pantry.

• 3 tsp Herbs de Provence or Italian seasoning 
• 2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder 
• Salt and Pepper, to taste

How To Cook Chicken Thighs In The Air Fryer? (Easy as 1,2,3!)

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F
2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season with spices, lemon, and olive oil. 
3. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the chicken thighs skin side down and cook for 15 minutes. Then, flip the chicken and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Want to make your chicken thighs extra extra crispy? 

Use these methods:

• Before seasoning the chicken, pat it dry; removing as much moisture as possible. Cut off any excess skin with kitchen shears.
• Add a tablespoon of baking powder when seasoning the chicken. The baking powder helps to dry out the skin, resulting in super crispy chicken skin when cooked. Be sure to use aluminum-free baking powder NOT baking soda.
• Make sure the chicken thighs are evenly coated in the oil when adding the seasoning. Then spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray before adding the chicken. This helps get the skin super crispy and prevents it from sticking to the basket.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer. Leave some room in between the chicken pieces to allow the skin to get crispy.

Tips For Making The Best Crispy Chicken Thighs In The Air Fryer

• For the best results, thaw the chicken first before cooking in the air fryer.
• Add the chicken to the air fryer skin side down first but remember to flip them mid-way so that the chicken cooks evenly.
• Let the chicken marinate in spices, olive oil, and lemon for at least 30 minutes. You’ll be happy you did when you take a bit into this super flavorful, juicy chicken. 
• While they are still hot, toss them in your favorite sauce. I recommend my sweet, tangy BBQ sauce.

What To Serve With These Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

• Add some carbs with a garlicky, luscious pasta like this Creamy Avocado Pesto Pasta.
• Keep this meal light with a veggie-packed side dish like Detox Cucumber Salad, Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Air Fried Asparagus, or Crispy Air Fryer Okra.
• Try it with Cilantro-Lime Coconut Rice or Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes for a weeknight family dinner.
• Pair the chicken with Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese and Honey Cornbread for the ultimate comfort meal.

Storing Leftovers

Once they have completely cooled, place chicken thighs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Want to store them for longer? Place the chicken in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, let the chicken thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Whole30 Air Fryer Chicken Thighs! 

Yes, these chicken thighs are whole30 compliant (and Paleo-friendly) as they are made with simple ingredients and a few spices! They are also naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.

FAQ: Cooking Essentials

I hope you enjoy this Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe! 

If you try the recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know what you think in the comments below! Take pictures, tag #goodfoodbaddie, and share them with me on Instagram! I love seeing my recipes come to life in your kitchen.

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• Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings
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