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.
Mary says
Absolutely delish! Thank you for an easy, healthy chicken recipe!
MommaJ says
This recipe made the absolute best chicken. Loved it!
B Anderson says
Great recipe. I followed the directions the first time but it didn't have enough seasoning to my liking. I changed it to 1 tsp salt, 1 tbs paprika, 1 tbs Garlic powder, 1 tbs onion powder, 1/2 tsp oregano, 1/2 tsp pepper. Follow the directions and you will really enjoy. Very easy it make. I have made them several times now, no disappointments.
Amber says
These were nice and crispy and delicious! Definitely a must try. I also love how quick and simple the recipe is! Thank you! ????
JULIE MORRISON says
This recipe is a winner! I also used chicken drum sticks & still turned out the same. I have cooked this recipe numerous times & my family loves it.
Sarah says
I just made this and it came out INCREDIBLE!!!! I am already planning to make it again in a few days!
April says
Hands down the best chicken ever!
Mitch says
We just tries it and loved it. The cooking times were perfect for my Air Fryer and it was so easy to make. Thank you so much for sharing!
Noreen dreyer says
So delicious! Easy and healthy as there is no excess oil! Love the crispy flavorful skin!
CiCi says
Very helpful and easy recipe. I added additional seasoning and let it marinate but that’s cause I’m extra!
Leanne Armel says
This was simply AMAZING! My very first air fryer recipe attempted and turned out perfect! Followed recipe as stated would not change a thing! Thank you! This is now a family favorite and so yummy to heat up the next day! Night off of cooking!
Vicky Madaule says
A newbie to the air fryer, they came out perfectly. Thanks.
Jan Domek says
How can something so simple be such a crowd pleaser??? I can say it was “Winner Winner, Chicken Dinner!”
Sheila says
I love all your recipes, do you have a cookbook
jenniferbanz says
I have one available for pre-order here: Jenniferbanz.com/cookbook It is publishing in November 2022!
Donnelly family says
This was delicious and I know these chicken thighs recipe will be a welcome addition to our table.
Terry says
brilliant
Kathy Lee says
Ok, I'll join everyone with saying this is the best chicken I've ever cooked in an air fryer. Followed recipe to the letter. Added the 4 minutes extra, digital temp was right on 165 degrees. Super crispy skin and moist, juicy meat. My husband wants me to make a "batch" for his friends coming over to watch basketball. Thank you!!
Melissa Hyatt says
I have cooked a lot of delicious meals but my husband said this is hands down the BEST chicken I have ever made! I said it was the easiest recipe and there was no mess! This will be added to my dinner rotation! Thank you!
Helene Bahnman says
Thanks for an easy to follow recipe. I used chicken drumsticks with the bone in and the skin on and they turned out perfect. I used the same cooking times and temperature in my air fryer oven.
Bronnie says
What an easy and delicious recipe! Thanks for sharing.
Sally says
Excellent. Made it tonight for the family and it was all the kids would eat.
Cindy says
Such a good easy recipe. I changed the seasonings a little to suit my family and we love it the crispy outside and tender juicy inside. Thanks
Marie says
Best recipe for air fryer chicken thighs ever! My go to when busy or just don’t feel like cooking.
Amy says
Excellent! Flavorful, tender, and juicy, even with two 4-minute increments added.
Oscar says
I was just searching for other peoples cook times. GREAT idea, skin side down! I use a spice blend of garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, pepper, and touch of sugar...yummy. Have a blessed day.
Oscar says
Forgot the most important spice! Hidden Valley Ranch powder.
Jessica says
Very good, I would definitely recommend this recipe
Marlene Harkcom says
Delicious chicken! Only made one change. Don't like spraying cooking spray into the af basket, so i sprayed it on the chicken prior. Yummy!!
Tostito says
The thighs turned out crispy and delicious!
Teri says
Best chicken thighs ever. Make them at least twice a month. Left overs are great for lunch
Ellen says
I may never get fast food fried chicken again! Followed the recipe to the letter and all I can say is, this is the best fried chicken I have ever tasted. Crispy on the outside, moist and juicy on the inside. A million thanks for this delicious and could not be easier to make recipe.
Loriann Greenwood says
These are so delicious!! Do you have timing for bone in skin on chicken breasts?!
Ann says
So easy and so good! I mean SO easy and SO good! This will be my go-to air fryer thigh recipe, although I used my own seasonings.
Donna E. Vasquez says
Excellent, quick, and such a tasty recipe!
I added a few more spices (cayenne pepper, pepper, and Cajun Spice) and added some Panko (for husband’s taste), but this was a delicious recipe.
Tamatha says
I'm back for a 2nd round because I used this recipe a few weeks ago and my kids are begging for more. I did add some Cajun seasoning as well because we add it to everything here in Louisiana. These thighs were perfection! The skin was super crispy, and the meat was juicy, tender, and perfectly cooked. I did add the 4 extra minutes, and it was spot on! Tonight's side is cabbage smothered down with sweet onions and ham.
Annette says
I made this for dinner, it was so easy and very delicious ❤️
Lanelyn Bayle says
Homemade cajun seasoning is the best they are almost the same. I love it!
Viv says
Excellent spice mix, juicy inside and crispy on the outside. Fabulous recipe. Thank you
Dina says
Just perfection. Thank you!
rebecca says
This. Was. Amazing. #sorrygrandmaitwasairfried
Kathy Grey says
This recipe is fantastic. Every now and then, I'll also add ½ to ¾ of a teaspoon of cayenne, to give it some kick. Love this recipe!