Name: Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 2 lbs bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (about 4 thighs); 1 tablespoon olive oil

This incredible Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering meal with minimal effort. The air fryer works its magic to create that perfect crispy skin while keeping the meat tender and juicy inside. Ready in just over 20 minutes, this recipe is your answer to those hectic weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly Crispy: The air fryer creates that restaurant-quality crispy skin that’s nearly impossible to achieve in a regular oven without drying out the meat.
Quick and Easy: With just 2 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a main dish ready in under 25 minutes total.
Simple Ingredients: Uses basic pantry spices you likely already have on hand – nothing fancy required!
Family Friendly: Even picky eaters can’t resist the crispy texture and savory flavor of these chicken thighs.
Healthier Option: Uses significantly less oil than traditional frying methods while still delivering that satisfying crunch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are the star of this show. They stay juicier than boneless cuts and the skin gets wonderfully crispy in the air fryer.
Olive Oil: Just a tablespoon helps the spices stick to the chicken and aids in getting that golden-brown skin. You can also use avocado oil for its high smoke point.
Garlic Powder: Provides a robust flavor without burning like fresh garlic might at high temperatures.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps create that perfect crispy skin.
Black Pepper: Adds a gentle heat and classic seasoning that pairs perfectly with chicken.
Paprika: Gives the chicken a beautiful color and subtle smoky flavor. Regular paprika works great, but smoked paprika can add another dimension of flavor.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Spice It Up

Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the spice mix for a spicy kick.

Herb Infused

Mix in 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme to the spice blend for an herbal twist.

Lemon Pepper

Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest to the spice blend and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the cooked chicken before serving.

BBQ Style

Replace the paprika with smoked paprika and add 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar to the spice mix for a barbecue-inspired flavor.

How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Prepare the Spice Blend

In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Whisk them together until they’re evenly mixed.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat. Sprinkle the spice blend over the chicken and use your hands to rub it in, ensuring each thigh is completely covered.

Step 3: Arrange in Air Fryer

Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin side down in your air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd the basket – the chicken needs space for the air to circulate properly.

Step 4: Cook to Crispy Perfection

Air fry at 400°F for 18-20 minutes total. Flip the chicken thighs halfway through cooking (around the 9-10 minute mark). Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when measured in the thickest part with an instant-read thermometer and the skin is gloriously crispy.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let the chicken rest for about 2 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Pat Dry First: Make sure to pat your chicken thighs dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps the skin get extra crispy.
Don’t Crowd the Basket: Leave some space between each chicken thigh to allow proper air circulation. Work in batches if necessary.
Use a Meat Thermometer: The most reliable way to know when chicken is perfectly cooked is to use an instant-read thermometer.
Let Your Air Fryer Preheat: For even crispier results, preheat your air fryer for 2-3 minutes before adding the chicken.
Spritz with Oil: If you want extra crispy skin, lightly spritz the skin with olive oil spray after flipping.

How to Serve

These crispy chicken thighs pair beautifully with so many sides:

Light and Fresh Sides

Serve with a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or asparagus for a lighter meal.

Hearty Companions

Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or buttered rice for a more substantial dinner.

Sauce Options

While these thighs are flavorful on their own, they’re fantastic with a drizzle of honey mustard sauce, BBQ sauce, or even a simple squeeze of lemon juice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

These chicken thighs freeze beautifully! Once cooled, place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until warmed through and the skin crisps back up. You can also reheat in a 350°F conventional oven for about 10 minutes. Microwave reheating works too, but the skin won’t stay crispy.

FAQs

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs will cook faster, so reduce the cooking time to about 12-15 minutes total. You won’t get the same crispy exterior, but the meat will still be juicy and flavorful. Check the internal temperature to ensure they reach 165°F.

Why aren’t my chicken thighs getting crispy?
The most common reasons are overcrowding the air fryer basket, not patting the chicken dry before seasoning, or not using enough oil. Make sure there’s space between each piece for proper air circulation, and consider lightly spraying the skin with oil before cooking.

Can I make this recipe with chicken drumsticks or wings?
Yes! The seasoning works wonderfully with any chicken pieces. Adjust cooking times accordingly – wings might take 16-18 minutes total, while drumsticks typically need about the same time as thighs (18-20 minutes).

My air fryer is smaller than the one mentioned. How should I adjust?
If you have a smaller air fryer, cook the chicken thighs in batches rather than crowding them in the basket. The cooking time should remain about the same, but always verify doneness with a meat thermometer. Each batch might cook slightly faster as the air fryer will already be hot.

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are the ultimate weeknight dinner solution when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort. The perfect combination of juicy meat and crispy skin might make you think you’re indulging in something complicated, but the truth is, this dish is wonderfully simple. Give these a try tonight – I’m convinced they’ll earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation!