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.
John says
Didn't have the oregano. I didn't miss it. The seasoning was the best we have had on poultry.. We will fix this again. The chicken was perfectly crispy and moist.
Delisb says
First meal in the air fryer and the chicken thighs were flavorful and crispy.
scott anthony gorman says
This is a very good recipe. I went a step further, about two hours before frying, I marinated the chicken on Worcestershire Sauce. Drained, dried and followed the recime. We we both stunned and excited! Be careful not to over fry.
Alicia K says
DEEPLY impressed with these chicken thighs!
Generally, I am not even a little bit of a fan of the thigh, especially skin on.
However, I am happy to say I am now a fan of chicken thighs when made this way.
The seasoning was absolutely perfect! Very rotisserie-esque in my opinion. And the skin did get crispy enough for it to be very lovely. Served this with roasted asparagus and broccoli and a little 4 cheese risotto on the side. Even the 9 year old LOVED it even though she has never once eaten chicken skin and liked it. Definitely making this a new weeknight staple for the fam. Quick, easy and super tasty! Love&Light~
Dawn says
My chicken turned out great ???? thanks
Beth says
Other than leaving out the oregano (not a fan), made it exactly as written and it was absolutely terrific. I’m going to try the same with drumsticks though am guessing it may take a little less time - easy enough to check. Thanks so much!
Susanna says
Seriously....the BEST chicken thighs EVER! I was in disbelief that I needed an airfryer in my life. The skin was soooooooooo crispy! Thanks!
MALINDA says
Didn't put in the oregano, because I forgot, and the recipe was still delicious. This is going into the rotation. Hopefully with all the ingredients next time!
Patti A says
We loved this! It is too hot to grill and this was perfect!
Natasha Burgess says
Only one question... what temp do you cook the chicken at? It just mentions 350f for heating then chicken temp 165f but no actual cooking temp for time?
Thanks
Lacey says
It says 380
Patricia says
happy you like the air fryer
Jes says
worked GREAT in my kitchen aid air fryer ! i tried it on the tray instead of the basket and it came out perfect, not dry and crispy skin.
Jo Ann E. says
I air fried the chicken thighs ( two of them) for a total of 24 minutes and it was so crunchy on the outside and juicy inside. I will be making these more often.
Kelly says
These were delicious. Have made them many times now.
Lori Shields says
I rubbed the spices under the skin too! Turned out crispy and delicious!! Easy clean up! Best way to cook anything!
Theresa says
Love it
Jessica says
This recipe is DELICIOUS!!!! Especially for clean eaters!!! The flavor and recipe are absolutely perfect! Made exactly as written and came out PERFECT!
Gretchen Nelson says
This was the first meal in my Air Fryer. It was the best chicken I have had in so long!! The skin was crispy after a extra 5 minute cooking and the meat was the most moist I have dreamed of!! Absolutely the best recipe\EVER for this type of chicken meal!!! I will be trying your others for sure!!
Gretchen Nelson says
This was the first meal in my Air Fryer. It was the best chicken I have had in so long!! The skin was crispy after a extra 5 minute cooking and the meat was the most moist I have dreamed of!! Absolutely the recipe ever for this type of chicken meal!!! I will be trying your others for sure!!
Martha Stewart says
Cooked the thighs tonight in my air fryer using this recipe. The chicken was awesome, juicy and tender!
Mary says
Husband and I loved it
Susie Harrison says
Trying for the first time ,, wish me luck
Leslie Strout says
Turned out perfectly! I was lazy and just sprinkled to spices on the chicken, didn't have a negative impact on the taste. This will certainly be my go-to recipe for chicken thighs from now on.
Tonight I'm trying your whole chicken recipe!
DanK says
I used a KFC type spiced flour for the coating. I was impressed at how it looked and tasted like fried chicken! Temperature and time worked great for my Ninja airfryer.
Grandi says
I used my preferred herbs, rosemary and thyme, with salt and pepper and they were tender and juicy. Easiest way to cook the thighs, delicious, and easy clean up.
Mike Brown says
The reviews sounded too good to be true, but not at all. My husband said this was the best chicken he had ever had. I can't believe that those few spices create flavour like that. I cooked this on my patio as the thighs tend to make the air fryer smoke a bit as it must render a lot of the fat out of them making them healthier. I will make this over and over again I can tell already. Thank you for sharing.
Nadine says
I really liked your receipe. Was tasty and juicy.
Linda B. says
The reviews are accurate! Terrific recipe. This will be my go-to.
Lorie says
Delicious!!!
No changes necessary!! Perfect blend of spices!
mb mancuso says
This was delicious!!! Thank you!
Teri says
Since finding this recipe I make it all the time. Best chicken ever. Thank you
Kathy says
1st time I ever tried to use my air fryer for real food. Didn't have onion powder, but I had a pk of onion soup mix. Used powder from that. Thanks for the recipe. It's perfect!
Chris H. says
Let me just say since finding this recipe last week, I’ve already made it 4 times. Usually for hubby’s lunch.
Tonight, I blessed your name. Thank you for sharing this easy and delicious recipe.
It reminds us of a favorite restaurant we used to frequent in our youth. We love it!
Brandy Hamm says
This now is our go-to chicken recipe!!! WOW WOW WOW! So delicious & Juicy! Thank you so much for sharing this!!!
Shelby says
Loved the spice combination. I used skinless thighs. I was a bit worried
they would dry out too much so fried a couple minutes less. Still had internal
temp of 165 & they tasted great.
Kim says
First time making chicken in the air fryer. Wow!! So delicious! Only change was an addition if 1/2 tsp cumin to the spices. So simple and quick to make. An inexpensive meal too. This will be my go to recipe to chicken thighs. Thank u for sharing.
Kayla says
Absolutely delicious! My boyfriend loves it. He says it taste like fried chicken.
Donna says
This is the best chicken I've ever made and very quick and easy!
REBECCA says
My grown daughter insists this be on the weekly menu. I made the recipe as is and it was perfect. Everyone loved it. Easy, delicious, and clean up is a breeze. Thank you for posting.
Diane Jenkins says
Dinner at the Jenkins’s household was a bit hit. Very juicy and crispy. We will definitely have this recipe again!
Nancy says
Great recipe! I’m not one to write reviews but for this chicken recipe I needed to. I can’t wait to make it again. Thank you!