Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs: A Weeknight Favorite (Print Version)

Get perfectly crispy air fryer chicken thighs every time with my simple recipe. Juicy inside, golden outside your new weeknight dinner win!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 22 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 37 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Gluten-Free, Low-Carb

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5-2 lbs total)

→ Flavor Boosters

02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
04 - 1 tsp garlic powder
05 - 1 tsp onion powder
06 - ½ tsp dried thyme
07 - ½ tsp salt
08 - ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Optional Garnishes

09 - Fresh parsley, chopped (for serving)

# Instructions:

01 - Okay, first things first, grab those chicken thighs and pat them DRY. And I mean really dry! This is crucial for getting that super crispy skin we're after. Honestly, if you skip this step, you're setting yourself up for soggy skin, and nobody wants that. I usually lay them on a plate lined with paper towels, then press more paper towels on top. It feels a bit like a science experiment, but trust me, it’s worth it for the ultimate crispy air fryer chicken thighs.
02 - Now for the fun part! Drizzle a little olive oil over the dried thighs, then sprinkle on your smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Don't be shy here! Really rub that seasoning all over, getting into every nook and cranny. I often get my hands messy, it just feels right. This is where the magic starts to happen, where you can almost smell the deliciousness to come. This robust seasoning is key to flavorful crispy air fryer chicken thighs.
03 - Go ahead and preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. While it's warming up, arrange your seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Remember my "oops" moment? Don't overcrowd them! Give each thigh its personal space. If you have too many, do them in batches. Patience, my friend, is a virtue when seeking truly crispy air fryer chicken thighs!
04 - Pop that basket into the preheated air fryer and cook for 10-12 minutes. You’ll start to hear that glorious sizzling, and the kitchen will smell absolutely incredible – warm and savory. I always peek through the window, if my air fryer has one, just to see that beautiful golden color starting to develop. This initial cook sets the stage for the incredible crispiness to come for your crispy air fryer chicken thighs.
05 - After the first cycle, carefully pull out the basket and, using tongs (please, not your fingers, I learned that the hard way!), flip each chicken thigh over. Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This is where the skin really gets that deep, satisfying crunch. The aroma fills the whole house, honestly, it's the best part!
06 - Once they’re done, that golden-brown, crackling skin will be calling your name. Resist the urge to dive in immediately! Transfer the crispy air fryer chicken thighs to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes. This lets the juices redistribute, keeping them super tender and moist inside. Trust me, it’s worth the wait. Then, dig in! Enjoy your perfectly crispy air fryer chicken thighs.

# Notes:

01 - Always pat your chicken thighs super dry; it's the secret to truly crispy skin, I promise!
02 - Never overcrowd the air fryer basket; steam is the enemy of crispiness, a lesson I learned with sad, pale chicken.
03 - For extra flavor, try marinating the thighs for 30 minutes (or even overnight!) in the seasoning mix before air frying.
04 - To reheat leftovers without losing crispiness, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Air Fryer
02 - Tongs
03 - Meat Thermometer

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 400
Total Fat: 30g
Total Carbohydrate: 3g
Protein: 32g

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