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Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 54 reviews
  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Air Fryer Chicken Thighs recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken with perfectly crispy skin using a simple house seasoning blend. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an easy and delicious meal option that can be cooked quickly in an air fryer for a healthier twist on classic fried chicken thighs.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 bone in/skin on chicken thighs
  • 1 ½ tablespoons House Seasoning (see below)

House Seasoning Mix

  • 8 tablespoons Kosher salt
  • 3 tablespoons black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons paprika

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken thighs: Trim any extra skin from the chicken thighs to avoid excess grease. Sprinkle both sides evenly with 1 ½ tablespoons of the house seasoning blend.
  2. Air fry the chicken: Arrange the chicken thighs skin side down in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer temperature to 360°F. Cook for 10 minutes on one side.
  3. Flip and continue cooking: Flip the chicken thighs over and cook for an additional 10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring safe consumption.
  4. Rest the chicken: Remove the thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes. This helps retain the juices for moist, tender chicken.
  5. Garnish and serve: Optionally, sprinkle a little extra salt, chopped fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice over the chicken before serving for added flavor.
  6. House seasoning preparation: Mix together 8 tablespoons kosher salt, 3 tablespoons black pepper, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, and 2 teaspoons paprika. Store the seasoning blend in an airtight jar or zip-top bag for future use.

Notes

  • Always verify chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer to guarantee it is safely cooked.
  • The recommended air fryer temperature is 360°F for this recipe; alternatively, 375°F can be used for 20-25 minutes for bone-in chicken thighs with skin, adjusting boneless cooking times accordingly.
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
  • To reheat, place chicken thighs back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to crisp the skin and warm without drying.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 1g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg