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Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

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posted: 06/07/25

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This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are your new favorite dinner recipe. Chicken thighs and a few spices combine to make a delectable chicken recipe.

Air Fryer Chicken Thigh served on a plate with rice and green beans.

We love our air fryer so much. It preheats so quickly, and it is a great way to make a fast dinner. These crispy chicken thighs are the perfect air fryer recipe. Tossed with just a few spices, the prep time on these is the same as the preheating time. With crispy skin and tender chicken, you will love these succulent thighs.

Overhead view of ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Thighs recipe on countertop.

Crispy Chicken Thighs Ingredients

Simple ingredients combine in this delicious dinner that is on your table in less than 30 minutes. Be sure to scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for the full recipe, including all ingredients and their measurements.

  • Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: I recommend bone-in chicken thighs because they tend to cook more evenly and retain moisture, resulting in tender, juicy meat. With skin-on chicken thighs, you get that golden, crackly skin on the outside while the inside stays juicy and flavorful.
  • Seasonings: Onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper combine to coat the chicken thighs, giving them the best flavor.

How to Cook Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer

Here is a brief overview of how these air fryer chicken thighs come together. For the full recipe including all measurements, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Step 1: Season The Chicken Thighs.

While your air fryer is preheating, whisk the spices together in a small bowl. Then toss the bone-in chicken thighs with the spices until they are well coated.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Thighs

Place the chicken skin side down in the preheated air fryer basket. If they don’t all fit in a single layer, you will want to cook them in batches. Cook for 12 minutes. Flip them and continue cooking for an additional 12 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Overhead view of Air Fryer Chicken Thighs in air fryer basket.
TOP PICK

My favorite Air Fryer

I love this air fryer! It cooks things evenly, has a large basket, and cleans up easily.
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Expert Tip!

Rather than depending on the time for how long to cook chicken thighs in the air fryer, use an instant read thermometer to know exactly when your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This thermometer is great because it can be left inserted while the chicken cooks. Be sure the thermometer is inserted into the thickest part of the chicken thigh and not touching a bone. This method is best when you bake or air fry chicken thighs.

Overhead view of Air Fryer Chicken Thighs in air fryer basket.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Store any leftover cooked chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat only the portion you plan to eat in the air fryer until heated through. Remember, leftovers should never be reheated more than once.

Other Great Chicken Thigh Recipes

Looking for other ways to cook chicken thighs? Here are a few delicious recipes made in the oven, in the crockpot, and on the stovetop.

Air Fryer Chicken Thigh served on a plate with rice and green beans.

What to Serve With Chicken Thighs

If you make this air fryer chicken thighs recipe or any of my other recipes, I’d love it if you left me a comment letting me know!

Air Fryer Chicken Thigh served on a plate with rice and green beans.
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Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Serves: 4 servings
(tap # to scale)
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 24 minutes
Total: 29 minutes
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are your new favorite dinner recipe. Chicken thighs and a few spices combine to make a delectable chicken recipe.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds bone in skin on chicken thighs pat very dry
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Whisk the spices together in a small bowl. While the air fryer is preheating, toss the chicken with the spices until they are well-coated.
  • Place the chicken skin side down in the preheated air fryer. Cook for 12 minutes. Flip them and continue cooking for an additional 12 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Serve and enjoy.
Author: Lisa Longley
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Air Fryer Chicken Thigh served on a plate with rice and green beans.

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Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

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Hi! I'm Lisa Longley, and I am committed to giving you simple dinner ideas and recipes that are easy to make; recipes that will fill your home with joy. I am the owner and author of SimpleJoy.com and I'm so glad that you are here.

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  1. Brenda says

    These look delicious but I don’t have an air fryer. Is there another method to make these? Fry or bake?

    • Lisa Longley says

      I would bake them at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 25 minutes.

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