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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe

4.5 from 133 reviews

Crispy and juicy air fryer chicken thighs seasoned with a flavorful blend of garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. This quick and easy recipe uses the air fryer to achieve perfectly cooked chicken with a deliciously crisp skin in under 25 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Thighs

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Seasoning

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crisp skin. Place them in a large bowl.
  2. Season the Chicken: Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken thighs. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the chicken and rub it in to coat thoroughly on all sides.
  3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for 12 minutes, then flip the chicken thighs skin-side up and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy and golden brown.
  5. Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in the juices.

Notes

  • Patting the chicken dry before seasoning helps achieve crispier skin.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste or add your favorite herbs and spices.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked but not overdone.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation for even cooking.
  • Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken thighs, easy chicken recipe, smoked paprika chicken, quick dinner, healthy chicken