Air fryer chicken thighs are a healthy way to cook them! They’re quick and easy to make, and they’re air-fried in a fraction of the time of traditional methods. Air frying chicken thighs results in crispy, juicy, and flavorful meat.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
These Air fried chicken thighs are lower in fat and calories, and much healthier than conventional deep-fried chicken while still providing a crispy exterior and juicy tender meat. The air fryer cooks the thighs in a fraction of the time as compared to oven cooking, preserving the nutrition and taste of each piece. I can prepare our family's favorite meals quickly and healthfully using the air fryer, so I often make these thighs for dinner on weekdays. More air fryer chicken recipes you may love are these Air fryer chicken nuggets, Crispy Air Fryer Chicken breast, coated in mayo and dipped in Panko, and these out-of-the-world Crispy Chicken Wings with garlic-parmesan butter.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin on. Trim excess fat if needed.
- 1 Tablespoon oil.
- ½ teaspoon salt, to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste.
- 1 teaspoon chicken seasoning of choice. I used Vegeta all-purpose gourmet seasoning.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder + a pinch of sweet paprika, if desired
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Season: I start by seasoning the chicken with a little oil and my favorite spices. (pictures 1 and 2).
- Marinate: I let the chicken marinate and absorb all the seasoning into the meat and skin, in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes.
- Air fry chicken thighs: I preheat my air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200° C). Next, I place the chicken in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. (Picture 3). I cook for 22 minutes on an air-fry setting (air crisp), flipping the thighs halfway or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature is 165°F. (Picture 4).
What to serve with chicken for a complete meal?
I love to serve our air fryer chicken thighs with roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts.
My kids love it with Parmesan Potato Wedges – this simple dish adds the crunch and needs only potatoes, salt, pepper, Parmesan cheese, and mayo.
Another great way to cook chicken thighs is to fry them with some onions and mushrooms. Add mushrooms and onions after you flip the chicken so the whole meal will continue cooking together for the remainder of the time.
Tips for the Best Crispy and Juicy Air Fryer chicken thighs
To get the best flavor and texture, be sure to use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, I love how the skin gets so crispy while keeping the meat tender and juicy.
If using boneless and skinless chicken thighs, you may need to reduce the cooking time.
Regardless of what seasoning or marinade you choose for your meal, always make sure that the thighs are coated in oil first; this helps them crisp up nicely and to absorb the flavors.
For beginners, keep an eye on the progress of cooking as air fryers can use high heat and it is all too easy to overcook the chicken. If done correctly, however, your air-fried chicken thighs will come out golden brown and divinely delicious.
Air Fryer Chicken Recipes You'll Love
- Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites
- Crispy Coconut Chicken
- Best Low-carb Cheesy Chicken Fritters
- Crispy and Tender air-fried Drumsticks
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Air fryer chicken thighs are a healthy way to cook them! They’re quick and easy to make, and they’re air-fried in a fraction of the time of traditional methods. Air frying chicken thighs results in crispy, juicy, and flavorful meat.
Plus, they’re lower in fat and calories than deep-fried chicken, so you can feel good about eating them.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin on. Trim excess fat if needed.
- 1 Tablespoon oil.
- ½ teaspoon salt, to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste.
- 1 teaspoon chicken seasoning of choice. I used Vegeta all-purpose Gourmet seasoning.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
Instructions
- In a large bowl or large plate, add chicken thighs and season both sides with oil and seasoning to taste. Feel free to use the seasoning and herbs of your choice. Keep in mind that some mixed seasoning may contain sodium, so you may want to go easy on adding more salt.
- Cover with the lid and refrigerate for 20 minutes. Optional. Let the chicken thighs meat absorb all the flavors of seasoning.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200 °C) for 5 minutes
- Place chicken thighs (skin side down) directly onto the air fryer basket or tray, spacing them out evenly. My Ninja air fryer comfortably fits 6 large chicken thighs.
- Air fry for 11 minutes and then flip each chicken thigh on the other side. Cook for an additional 10-12 minutes until the skin is charred and crispy and the internal thighs temperature is 165° F (74° C).
- Transfer to a plate and let rest for 10 minutes
Notes
Tips for the Best Crispy and Juicy Air Fryer chicken thighs
To get the best flavor and texture, be sure to use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, I love how the skin gets so crispy while keeping the meat tender and juicy.
If using boneless and skinless chicken thighs, you may need to reduce the cooking time.
Regardless of what seasoning or marinade you choose for your meal, always make sure that the thighs are coated in oil first; this helps them crisp up nicely and to absorb the flavors.
For beginners, keep an eye on the progress of cooking as air fryers can use high heat and it is all too easy to overcook the chicken. If done correctly, however, your air-fried chicken thighs will come out golden brown and divinely delicious.
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