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.
Vicki Howr says
Outstanding recipe. The chicken was extra crispy and still moist. I continued the four minute intervals twice…
Mary Meyer says
Easy Peasy. Just like Mamas without the Air Fryer. Air Fryer makes my life a lot less time in the kitchen. Easy to make 1 person meals.
Mary Meyer says
Best way to cook chicken thighs. Reminds me of my Mamas Southern Cooking.
Judy says
I've made these several times, so crispy and delicious. Thanks for the recipe.
Joanne says
Great chicken and done so quickly! I'm happy that I don't have to turn my oven on when we have a hot day! Thank you for the recipe!
Kendra says
This was delicious! So crispy! Haven’t had the best results with the air fryer up to now but this worked great!
Sherry says
We'll try this recipe tomorrow.
Lisa Newman says
Just made this. Perfect easy delicious!
Carol Thomas says
New to air frying. This is my favorite recipe I’ve tried.
Thanks Jennifer!
Frank says
Very happy this day all tasted super delicious
Norm says
Easy to make. Taste great
Candice Koladycz says
Thank you for this recipe! I always use lemon pepper but my family didn’t seem to be huge fans but they love this one!
Kelly says
Thanks for the recipe, just cooked it and it is delicious. Crispy on the outside and juicy when you bite into it. Five stars all around.
Directions were very easy to follow also.
Alex says
Five stars all around, gives four stars…. ;-/
Gord H says
Finally, a recipe for air fried crispy chicken thighs that lives up to it’s billing.
It did wonders for the mashed potatoes, green and yellow beans that were part of the act.
Thanks,
Janet says
I was just trying to decide what to have with this recipe. Your sides sound perfect! Thanks!
Yvette says
Finally an air fryer recipe that worked! The chicken turned out perfect. The prep was very easy. Seasonings were simple and staples in my pantry. So good I made it for Sunday dinner and lunch tomorrow.
Rosemary Benlice says
Calories is per chicken thigh?
jenniferbanz says
Yes
Dennis Bernard says
Thank you
charles halaby says
Dinner for two: two large thighs plus choice of veggies (broccoli, potatoes, brussel sprouts, etc) all go in the plastic bag with seasonings. Then all go in the air fryer, chicken skin side down to start. Cook 12/10 minutes and test for doneness. This is a terrific recipe.
Krystal Miller says
These were a big hit even with my very picky kids. The seasoning was delicious and the perfect crisp. Great recipe!
Jeff says
Best non-Crisco fried chicken I’ve ever had. Thank you!
Vee Baklini says
Great recipe !! Family loves these thighs cooked in the Air Fryer
Lara says
This was so tasty!! I don’t usually use the air fryer, but I’ll definitely use it again for this recipe. The flavors & cooking time were spot on.
Barbara Angle says
This was a good recipe. Thank you
Melissa says
Delicious! Thanks for the recipe.
Steve G. says
These came out great!!
Debbie Lopez says
Love
Betsi says
Absolutely delicious. Hit with my family. Will definitely be making this again. Thank you for sharing.
Dawn says
I have never made chicken that actually tasted as good as this. Thank you for simple, flavorful and fun recipe!!
Keith J says
My first meal in my new air fryer and it was incredible! Great flavor, super crispy skin and moist meat inside, even though I probably overcooked it a bit. Minimal effort and a superb turnout!
Denise says
This was the best thing I’ve cooked in our new air fryer. Crispy, moist and flavorful. Great recipe, and instructions helped a lot.
SUE says
Great . Love how easy this was. Nice and crispy
Elisa says
One of my absolute favorite chicken thigh recipes! I make it once a week now! Thank you!
Michelle Santurro says
SO. FREAKING. GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I trade the smoked paprika for regular and these are my absolute favorite thighs! Easy and delicious. The compliments I receive when I serve them is also kind of nice. 🙂
Anna says
My new go to recipe for chicken thighs. Love the crispy skin and the moist interior. Thank you for sharing.
Erna Toledo says
Thank you. I made this and my hubby’s mouth was watering, it tasted so good! I kinda tweaked it and added tiny slivers of butter on top.
Paired it with roasted sweet potatoes for hubby and cauliflower rice for me ????
Gretchen says
Very good and so easy/fast!
Nancy says
Fantastic recipe....this chicken was perfect. Will make again for sure.????
Angela says
Thr best thighs from my air fryer in months! Perfect seasoning, moist and crispy. Saving this recipe.
Dawn Gilbert says
I was very skeptical about the ability to form a crispy crust, but these are terrific! Crispy skin and tender, moist inside. Great flavor as well and super easy! My new "go to" for fried chicken!
Lisa Heizer says
The absolute best chicken that I have ever made and possibly the easiest. Makes me want to get a 2nd air fryer!
My family couldn't quit talking about how wonderful it was!
This recipe will be used weekly.
Thank you!