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.
Donna Hacker says
Easy, very tasty recipe! I used chicken wings and drumsticks. Fabulous! Perfect balance of spices. I doubled the spice recipe because I needed more volume to cover my chicken pieces. We coukd eat this every night it’s so good!!!
Izzy G says
We had this tonight with homemade Cole slaw, cucumber salad, and local corn on the cob. So good!!! Summer in New England is the best!!!
Bill G says
I used my spices and followed the cooking instructions. It was great ????. Next time I will try you spices. Great instructions. I will follow up using your spices.
Andrea Porcaro says
delicious. paired it with steamed green beans with sauteed garlic and crushed pecans drizzled with white balsamic reduction and a sprinkle of pecorino romano cheese truly yummy dinner!!
holly C says
i just finished eating dinner & had to come back & comment. this had the crispiest skin ever had!!!! and the chicken was so moist. very impressed with this recipe, & followed it to the "T". i am going to pin it & also copy/paste & send it in an email to myself-thats how good the chicken was
Elizabeth Hartley says
This is absolutely the best fried chicken recipe I’ve ever had. Shared with my neighbors and they raved over it.
This is so incredibly easy to make!
Sue Woods says
Made this chicken tonight and the granddaughter and her fiend really liked it. One recipe that will be on the repeat list!
Miguel says
Awesome chicken thighs! Very juicy and with tons of flavor! A new favorite!!! Super crispy!
Kelli says
Simple and delicious
Melva says
I used the exact ingredients and it was very juicy and delicious. My husband was very impressed! ????
Vera says
My definite go-to recipe for the best air-fried chicken thighs! I’ve experimented with different spice blends, and always turns out amazing???? I’ve also added some veggies like Brussels sprouts and asparagus in the air fryer during that last 10 minutes, and the steam and slight smoke from the chicken elevates the flavors of the veggies????
Jeanine says
Very Good! Great flavor and crispy
Melanie says
I’ve never made a more perfectly cooked piece of chicken. Crispy skin, juicy and flavorful inside. Sooo good. This will be a regular in my kitchen.
Mary Ann says
Really good
Mack G. Borders says
Made the air fryer chicken thighs tonight for dinner. I used the spices exactly as called for in the recipe. It was necessary to figure out the temperature on my air fryer, this is a fantastic recipe, thank you Jennifer!
Billie Conley says
Loved this recipe. A very simple and quick dinner. Will make this often!
Charles G says
Absolutely delicious! I didn't have smoked paprika, so I substituted it with what I had on hand: Regular paprika and McCormick's Grill Mates Smokehouse Maple Seasoning. I used a Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fry Oven SP100 Series. I'm definitely bookmarking this recipe. Thanks!
Elaine says
Hands down the best air fryer recipe I’ve tried yet. Amazing!!
Sheila says
I made your recipe for these thighs with baking powder in my air fryer yesterday, they were fantastic!! I also love love love your cheesecake recipe!
Debra Johnson says
This chicken is absolutely delicious! I will be making this often.
Leighann says
I love this recipe. We make it 3 times a month at least. The only thing I changed is the amount of salt. You don’t need all that salt for it to taste just as good. I put a little less then a quarter teaspoon in and it tastes just as good.. I also double the recipe because I coat the whole chicken and the amount in the recipe is not enough.
Douglas Johnson says
Simple and uncomplicated. Worked great thanks.
Kayla says
Amazing, amazing recipe!! I never used to eat chicken thighs until I bought an air fryer and used this recipe. As someone else stated, use exact measurements...such a great flavor. However, I didn't need to cook my chicken for a whole ten minutes after flipping...only did for 8 minutes for the perfect crispness.
M. Miller says
Beyond delicious. Cooked for 8 min after flipping for perfect crispiness.
Thank you!
Michelle says
Have made these at least three times, and they come out perfect every time! I am really impressed with how much grease is left behind using the air fryer! It makes me feel good knowing that grease ISN'T going into our bodies!
Anne-Marie says
This was the first time to use an air fryer. This was an easy recipe and it turned out great!
Conch711 says
What a recipe! Use as directed, lol, turns out awesome.
Camila says
So good ! Thanks for this
Damaris says
Delicious and so easy. I had to cook the thighs a bit longer in my air frier, but really came out very nicely. Juicy with a nice crisp. Even my kids liked this recipe (ages 8 & 6)! Thank you!
Holly says
These were soooooo good!! Impressed my husband with my first air fryer attempt thanks to this recipe. Thank you.
J Thomas says
Works well and turns out crispy! Great flavor. Will definitely make again.
Susan Ravens says
EXCELLENT and SO EASY!
Shirley says
This reminded me of the fried chicken my dad made when I was younger but better since it’s air fried. We absolutely love this recipe!
Nancy says
I have made this several times. I just love it. Perfect flavor. I don't give many reviews but since I keep making it I thought it was well deserved. Thank you
Yvette says
Made this today. Very yummy and easy. No changes necessary!
Deb Liddle says
Wow! These turned out so yummy. I was thawing 4 chicken thighs and had put some Stste Fair Chicken marinade in the bag while they thawed. In the meantime I went searching for good air fryer recipe since I didn't want to heat up my kitchen using the oven. I found your recipe and decided to give it a whirl. Dumped out the marinade once they were thawed and added your spices and the thighs, gave it a good mix and was ready to go. Air fried at 390 in my Ninja Foodi (there wasn't a 380 choice). Perfect!
Melissa says
So I didnt have the seasoning you use but I did have black garlic parm seasoning. Cooked it exactly how you said and it came out perfect!! so far your method made the chicken way better than other chicken recipes I have tried. I love my air fryer and am always looking for new recipes.
Susan says
Jennifer! I am always "on the hunt" for a recipe for good ways to cook chicken thighs.
Now I found one! These were perfect, I followed your instructions and they turned out better than I expected. They were delicious. I have a Cuisinart Air Fryer so I was able to cook six at once. I am so pleased with the results, a "no brainer" recipe.
Thank you!
Susan
Mike says
I'm cooking at 400 for 30 minutes , your recipe doesn't say temperature wise only what they should we cook that which is 165 so I'm going with 400 yes I love the air fryer it works really good on all meals even breakfast meals
Patty says
Mike, please reread the recipe, it clearly states on the 1st instruction to preheat @ 380⁰ for 5 minutes. Your statement implies this woman doesn't know how to correctly write a recipe and that is simply not the case. She will accept your apology any time.
James says
Best DAMN Chicken Thighs ever!!!
Will always use this recipe...
Sharon says
So delicious! I made without skin and was still very crispy and juicy!
Diane says
I just made this tonight and it is my favorite recipe in my new airfryer. I also doubled the rub for 6 thighs. So crispy and healthy without having to add any extra oil to the meat.