Description
This Air Fryer Chicken Thighs recipe delivers crispy, juicy chicken with a flavorful spice rub, cooked quickly and conveniently in the air fryer. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal with minimal prep and maximum taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Spice Rub
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper
Other
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 to 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and crisp skin.
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve crispy skin. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper to create the spice rub.
- Season the chicken: Rub each chicken thigh with olive oil, then evenly coat them with the prepared spice mixture, making sure to cover all surfaces for maximum flavor.
- Cook the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook for 12 minutes, then flip the thighs over and cook for an additional 10 to 12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Rest before serving: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute for tender, juicy meat. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Notes
- For boneless, skinless chicken thighs, reduce the total cook time by about 5 minutes to prevent overcooking.
- Serve with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or rice for a complete meal.
- Leftover chicken can be refrigerated and reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 24 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
