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Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe

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  • Author: Mary
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 24 minutes
  • Total Time: 29 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free,Low Carb

Description

This Air Fryer Chicken Thighs recipe offers a quick and easy way to enjoy crispy, flavorful chicken with minimal effort. Perfectly seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and thyme, these bone-in, skin-on thighs come out juicy on the inside and delightfully crispy on the outside. Ideal for a weeknight dinner, this recipe requires just a handful of ingredients and cooks fast in the air fryer.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Seasoning Mix

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper


Instructions

  1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 3 to 5 minutes to ensure it reaches the optimal cooking temperature.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels to help the skin crisp up. Place the thighs in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil, tossing to coat evenly.
  3. Make and Apply Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Rub this seasoning blend evenly all over each chicken thigh, ensuring every side is covered for balanced flavor.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not overcrowded. Cook for 12 minutes, then flip the thighs and cook for an additional 10 to 12 minutes. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and that the skin is crispy and golden.
  5. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and juicy meat. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Cooking times may vary depending on the size of your chicken thighs and the air fryer model.
  • If using boneless chicken thighs, reduce cooking time by 4 to 5 minutes to avoid overcooking.
  • For extra crispiness, you can spray a light coat of cooking oil on the skin before air frying.
  • Letting the chicken rest before serving enhances juiciness and flavor.