If you’re looking for crispy air fryer chicken thighs that actually deliver on the crispy, you’re in luck! I’ll show you how to make the best chicken thighs in the air fryer, with smoky, savory flavor and a crispy exterior that gives way to tender, juicy meat. Ready in under 20 minutes!
One thing I’ve learned over the years as a recipe developer is that sometimes the simplest recipes end up being the ones that require the most testing. And that was definitely true of these crispy air fryer chicken thighs! I tested different seasonings, different temperatures and cooking times, boneless and bone-in, and I did it all so I could nail the very best method for you. Like my air fryer chicken breast, this is a recipe that will become a weeknight dinner staple!
3 Secrets That Make These Air Fryer Chicken Thighs the Best
I love chicken thighs because unlike chicken breasts, which can be finicky, chicken thighs are almost impossible to overcook so they’re always tender and juicy. Here’s what makes these chicken thighs the best you’ll ever make (I promise!):
- Dry chicken means crispy chicken. Patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels makes all the difference. Otherwise, the oil traps the in moisture and the chicken doesn’t crisp up. (And crispy chicken is the whole point!)
- Seasonings are everything. Chicken thighs are flavorful with just salt and pepper, but the right blend of seasonings takes things to the next level. I use a blend of savory, earthy, and smoky spices for lots of oomph.
- No skimping on the oil. I know it’s tempting to go super light on the oil when you’re air frying, but using 2 tablespoons means the chicken thighs are well-coated, which yields the crispiest results.
What You’ll Need
Aside from the chicken, you’ll just need a short list of pantry staples. Scroll down to the recipe card for exact measurements.
- Chicken thighs – I like to use boneless skinless chicken thighs, but you can use skin-on for even crispier chicken.
- Olive oil – As discussed, the oil is essential for golden, crispy exterior; it also helps the seasonings stick.
- Seasoning blend – I use garlic powder, ground cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, sea salt, ground black pepper, and dried parsley in this recipe.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
This recipe couldn’t be easier! Here’s a visual overview of the steps involved.
- Preheat the air fryer. Start preheating your air fryer to 400°F.
- Prepare the chicken. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and place them in a large bowl.
- Season the chicken. Add the olive oil and all of the seasonings to the bowl. Toss well until every piece is evenly coated with both the oil and the seasoning blend.
- Air fry. Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 11 to 13 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Rest and serve. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for Cooking Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer
These simple tips will help ensure your chicken turns out perfect.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. It’s better to cook the chicken in batches than to crowd the chicken thighs to the point where there’s no room for the air to circulate. That circulating air is what makes the chicken thighs crispy.
- Use a meat thermometer. Chicken is done when the thickest part reaches 165°F.
- Let it rest. A few minutes of resting helps the juices redistribute so they don’t all seep out when you cut into the chicken.
More Seasoning Ideas
Want to try a different seasoning option? Here are some more ideas:
Serving Suggestions
The thing I love most about air fryer chicken thighs is that they pair with almost any side dish and so many different cuisines. Try them with:
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container for up to 4 days. (I like to cut the chicken into pieces to use for meal prep lunches!)
- To reheat: Warm the chicken thighs in the air fryer at 375°F for 3 to 5 minutes or until heated through and crispy again.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken thighs for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
More Easy Chicken Recipes
Print
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Description
Juicy, flavorful, and perfectly crisp every time, this easy crispy air fryer chicken thighs recipe is ready in under 20 minutes!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon of ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground coriander
- 1/2 tablespoon of smoked paprika
- 1/2 tablespoon of sea salt
- 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dry parsley
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
- Add you chicken thighs to a large bowl. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Add in your spice mixture along with olive oil to the bowl with chicken. Using your hands or a pair of tongs, toss to coat the thighs with the spice mixture until well coated.
- Place chicken thighs in the air fryer basket and cook for 11-13 minutes, turning halfway through, until crispy.
