Pull those bone in, skin on chicken thighs out of the refrigerator and make these super crispy air fryer chicken thighs tonight! In under 30 minutes you will have a delicious family friendly dinner.
Looking for boneless skinless chicken thighs?
I have a version for that here → Air Fryer Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
Whenever I want a quick dinner I reach for this Air Fryer Chicken Thigh Recipe
I've been making chicken thighs this way since I bought my first air fryer back in 2018, and it's one of those recipes that never gets old. It's reliable, easy, and always turns out exactly how I want it. In fact, this is one of the meals my family asks for at least once a week, which tells you everything you need to know. It's simple enough for a busy night, but good enough that everyone actually looks forward to it.
The seasoning on these chicken thighs is what really makes them stand out. It's simple, but the combination of smoked paprika, garlic, oregano, and onion powder gives them so much flavor without overpowering the chicken. As the thighs cook, the spices mix with the rendered fat from the skin and create that crispy, flavorful coating that makes these hard to beat. You don't need a complicated marinade or a long ingredient list, just a few staples that work every time.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
This is the perfect way to cook juicy chicken thighs for that extra crispy skin and no need to heat up the oven.
- Just 5 ingredients - chicken thighs, smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, and onions powder (plus salt and pepper but those don't count!)
- Cooks quickly thanks to the air fryer - These take about 25 minutes in the air fryer...which is great!
- No splatter on the stove top!
Personally, I think the air fryer is the best invention besides a home coffee maker. I use mine just about everyday!
I love to make burgers, pork tenderloin, crispy pork chops, and even crispy Brussels sprouts.
If you prefer the oven, my Oven Baked Chicken Tenders recipe is another reader favorite.
My method for crispy chicken thigh skin
I start by pre-heating the air fryer before I spray with avocado oil cooking spray. I do this only when I want my food to be really crispy.
I make sure the chicken thighs are patted dry with a paper towel and any excess skin is cut away.
Then I mix the chicken thighs with all of the seasonings.
Now we can place the chicken thighs in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer skin side down.
I do this so the skin can start to render the fat without browning the skin too much. It gives the best results!
I also do this with my Air fryer whole chicken recipe.
My Air fryer has a 6 quart basket so 4 bone-in chicken thighs fit perfectly.
If your air fryer is smaller you would need to cook these in batches.
After the bone-in thighs cook skin side down, we can flip them over and continue to cook them until the skin is nice and crispy and the internal temperature is 165F using an instant read thermometer.
The result is the juiciest chicken with the crispiest skin.
Tips from Jennifer's Kitchen
- Trim the excess fat and skin: This is essential for crispy chicken thigh skin. I have purchased packages of chicken thighs that need to be trimmed a lot! You just want to leave enough skin to cover the top flesh of the chicken.
- Cook above the safe temp: You may need to cook these over the 165F target temperature to get the crispy skin we are after. That's okay because chicken thighs are very forgiving. In fact, they reach their peak tenderness between 185°F-195°F (85-90C)
Frequently Asked Questions
Most of the time they just need to cook longer. Make sure you trim the excess skin on each thigh (sometimes there is quite a bit around the edges)
I do when I want extra crispy skin. Starting with a hot air fryer helps the outside cook right away. Just like pre-heating your oven, pre-heating your air fryer is essential for even cooking and consistent cook times.
I would recommend my recipe that is dedicated to boneless skinless chicken thighs in the air fryer.
It really depends on the size of your air fryer. Some baskets, like my 7 quart air fryer, can hold 4 chicken thighs. You want to make sure to have them in the basket in an even layer for even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
I like to serve these air fryer chicken thighs with cauliflower Mac and cheese, keto green beans with bacon, or a broccoli salad.
More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes
Recipe Card
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs - Super Crispy!
Ingredients
- 4 Bone in, skin on chicken thighs, trimed of excess fat and skin
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Oregano
- ½ teaspoon Onion powder
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your air fryer to 380F (193C) for 5 minutes. After pre-heating, spray with cooking spray, if desired.
- Add the chicken thighs to a large zip-top bag or a bowl with a lid. Top with the kosher salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano and onion powder. Shake to coat.
- Remove from the bag and place the chicken thighs in the air fryer, skin side down, and air fry at 380F (193C) for 12 minutes.
- Turn your chicken thighs skin side up and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes. If you would like your chicken thighs super crispy. Cook for 4 minutes increments to get your desired crispness.
- The chicken thighs are done when an internal meat thermometer reads 165F (74C) inserted into the thickest part of the thigh. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your chicken thighs and the wattage of your air fryer. You may need to cook these over the 165F target temperature to get the crispy skin we are after. That's okay because chicken thighs are very forgiving. In fact, they reach their peak tenderness between 185°F-195°F (85-90C)
Notes
- Trim the excess fat and skin: This is essential for crispy chicken thigh skin. I have purchased packages of chicken thighs that need to be trimmed a lot! You just want to leave enough to cover the flesh of the chicken.
- Pre-heat the air fryer: This ensures consistent cooking and the fat will start to render from the skin right away.
- Start cooking the chicken thighs skin side down: This is my method for super crispy skin without the tops getting too brown.
Mandy says
Thanks very much for the quick, easy and delicious dinner! My boys said, “5 stars Mommy”!
Teresa says
Love this method of getting the chicken so crispy! When I made it everyone was asking what technique I used. Thanks for sharing
Ria says
Omg! You talk about some crispy skin, this recipe was fire! I added some Badia all season to season to it. Came out amazing! I did 12 minutes skin side down, then 12 minutes skin side up. Definitely saving this recipe!
Stephanie says
This air fryer is A Yes to fried thighs came out wonderful and Crispy without the mess off cooking oil to clean up Thanks for Sharing
Pat Crone says
Used boneless chicken thighs, marinate lemon juice, oregano paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, very little salt and black pepper, cooked for the 10 min. , turned over for 12 min. cooked perfectly.. Thank You.
Patrick Haugen says
Very good indeed. Did the milk soak first then Tragers rub supplemented with more smoked Paprika and garlic.
Followed then to perfection and reached temp a bit earlier than planned but perfect.
Great reception by me, frau, puppy and pussy cat
Sheila Hinds says
Love this recipe and I use the mix of seasoning on other meats!
RTN says
Outstanding technique coming from a Chef.
Jennie says
Made theae today in my Ninja 13-in-1 oven using the air fry setting. I marinated them for 2 days in buttermilk and garlic. Everyone loved them, my daughter commented on how the skin was so nice and crispy! Delicious recipe, thank you!
Heidi says
Came out perfect. I added a little bit of Memphis barbecue seasoning to all the rest of the seasonings because I wanted a little more of a kick
Z says
I just added 1/2 tsp of adobo seasoning and followed the rest of the recipe and they came out perfect. Thanks for sharing!
Mary Fry says
The t heights came out perfectly
Deb says
Perfect!
Kristi Foster says
We have a Cuisinart air fryer that could hold eight thighs, I kept with the four thighs. They turned out great, perfect seasoning, crisp. Will make this again.
Laura Follin says
We made this tonight… best chicken thighs EVER!! So juicy and CRISPY!!! Such a yummy weeknight dinner for sure!! I served it with mashed potatoes and sautéed asparagus!! Highly recommend!!
CH says
Was delicious! The only thing is that I doubled the rub recipe for 8 thighs and the mix only coated 4 thighs even after doubling it! I would double it and maybe a little less salt if you watch your salt.
Joe says
Turned out perfect
Helen says
Making them now. My mom used to make chicken paprika as a child this is almost exactly like it. I'll let you know how it comes out !
Claire says
Have made this recipe many times and love it but will use the great suggestion of putting the spices together in a jar. Sometimes I sprinkle over and other times smoosh in a bag.
Thanks Jennifer and fellow followers 🙂
KP says
My friend showed up with chicken thighs I typically buy breast wasn’t sure how to cook them … this recipe hands down was amazing the reviews don’t lie! I added a bbq sauce for the last extra crispy mins & it turned out like restaurant quality.
Theresa Fisher says
Hi???? I have an instant pot omni plus air fryer.
Will this work for this recipe? I love chicken thighs.
jenniferbanz says
It should work in any air fryer
Melissa Walker says
I am visiting my sister and she has never used her air fryer. Well tonight is the night. As crazy as this sounds, I absolutely love a pre-made seasoning from a box ( not going to mention a different recipe) but your seasoning mix sounds delicious. I'm not a fan of oregano so I may leave it out but I definitely plan on using yours next time. I thank everyone for their wonderful comments so they assure me that my next batch will be amazing. I can't wait to try it. As I sit here typing this, it just dawned on me that I have to make 2 batches tonight.. so guess what....one batch will be done with YOUR recipe. Y'all probably think I'm crazy...lol. I can't wait for dinner tonight. Thank you so much
susan A fordham says
I love this recipe! I have found it easier to use an old spice shaker bottle to mix the dry ingredients in a triple batch to have on hand when making this dish. I skip the plastic bag and just shake on each side before cooking, a little less messy in my opinion. YUMMY
Beth B says
Super easy and excellent. I put the spices in a plastic bag, then put the chicken in. I shake it and rub it so it gets covered really well. If the skin is loose, I try to coat both sides, but wrap it back up when I put the skin-side down. The family LOVES this recipe!
Linda says
These instructions for cooking chicken thighs was brilliant and they turned out beautiful thanks.
Beaver Island Guy says
I have made this MANY times. It is the very best way to do thighs in the air fryer.
Rhonda says
Absolutely delicious and so easy!!!! I hate to cook but this was so simple I will be making it over and over.
Ellen Van Hevel says
This recipe is amazing!! I have been looking for an air fryer recipe for chicken thighs, specifically.I need search no more.The seasonings are perfect, and I will do as others are doing--make enough to store in a spice jar for future use. Really good and tasty. Great idea for company. Thanks so much for sharing.
Nancy says
So delicious and nearly effortless! Thanks for a perfect chicken thigh recipe Jen! I think I will follow the suit of others and make up a jar of your perfect spice mix.
Becky says
Today I fell in love with this recipe and my air fryer!
Robert Hendryx says
Great recipe! It's easy to make and tastes good. Many thanks! ????
Ann says
This recipe is part of our regular rotation. Love the flavor! The first time I made it my husband said it tasted like fried chicken. I've shared it many times with friends and family looking for air fryer recipes. Yum!!!
Peggy says
Made this chicken recipe about 3 weeks ago. My 14 yrs.old son loves this so much that he asks for it every night .v1 once a week is good. I had an old spice jar and pre mixed the ingredients and named the bottle " Matthew's chicken"
Gail Young says
That’s awesome!!
Paul Anthony Jenkisn says
Excellent recipe came out perfect and tasty.
Joy says
This is delicious and in fact I made a large batch, storing in a spice jar!
Karen says
Fantastic recipe, super easy
lana johnson says
Excellent. Turned out great. Loved the air fryer.
Lana
Marsha B. says
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! These chicken thighs!!! I make them almost every week!
Denise Mills says
Oh my! I had already seasoned my chicken thighs but didn't know how I was going to cook them. I searched for 'air fryer chicken thighs' and saw that this recipe had 5 stars. Well, it's STILL FIVE STARS!! OK, truth be told, I am so pleased that the cooking instructions were spot on. The chicken was so good. I only made four pieces and wish that I had cooked another batch. I definitely will make this again... and again. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Denise says
My 6-quart air fryer has a bake, roast, and air fry setting. When you set the temp, which mode would you select?
Jessica says
Air Fry
Jessica says
The airfry setting