Go Back
–+ servings
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs in air fryer basket
Print Recipe
5 from 3 votes

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are full of flavor and turn out juicy and tender with a crisp skin.
Prep Time8 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Preheat5 minutes
Total Time33 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air fried chicken, Air Fryer Chicken, chicken thighs
Servings: 4
Author: Sandy Clifton

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Small Bowl
  • Large Bowl
  • Instant Read Meat Thermometer

Ingredients

  • 4 Bone-in Chicken Thighs* (Skin on)
  • 4 Tablespoons Avocado Oil (or Olive Oil)
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
  • ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • ½ teaspoon Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (or regular paprika)

Instructions

  • Dry the chicken thighs and trim off any excess skin and fat. Set aside (the chicken needs to come up to room temperature).
  • Add the oil and spices to a bowl and stir together.
  • Preheat the air fryer at 380°F for 5 minutes.
  • While the air fryer is preheating, coat the chicken thighs in the spice/oil mixture on both sides. Then add them to the air fryer basket. Arrange the chicken in a single layer as overcrowding will lead to uneven cooking with some raw spots.
  • Air fry at 380°F for 10 minutes, then flip and air fry for an additional 7-10 minutes (the timing will depend on the size of the thighs. I cook 6 oz thighs for a total of 17 minutes. 8 oz thighs about 20 minutes total*. Results may vary).
  • Check the internal temperature with an instant read thermometer. The temperature should read 165°F to be done. Try not to over cook**.
  • Remove the thighs to a plate to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

*If you want to use boneless/skinless thighs, they will only need to cook for 12-14 minutes total.
**If you like a crisper skin you will need to cook the thighs, skin side up, a few minutes longer.
 
Frozen Chicken Thighs:
  • If the thighs are frozen together, run them under cool water to separate them. Pat dry with paper towels and then continue with the oil/spice coating.
  • If water doesn't help to separate them, Air fry them at 350°F for about 2 minutes. They should be easier to separate. Pat dry with paper towels and continue with the oil/spice coating.
  • Cook the chicken thighs for about 10-15 minutes longer. Just keep an eye on the temperature.
 
Air fryer brands and models may vary in temperature settings. You may need to adjust the temperature and/or time of your air fryer.

Nutrition

Calories: 298kcal
QR Code linking back to recipe