Air Fryer Chicken Thighs (Crispy Chicken Thighs Recipe)

Learn how to make these easy, crispy, and flavorful Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with just a couple of dried seasonings and oil. In 30 minutes you’ll have the most juicy and crispy skin chicken thighs you’ve ever tasted!

We love these chicken thighs served alongside some BBQ Baked Beans, Ranch Pasta Salad, or Parmesan Roasted Potatoes. 

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe

If you’re looking for a crispy chicken thigh recipe, then look no further! The air fryer is magic when it comes to cooking chicken thighs. The chicken is juicy & flavorful, and the skin is golden browned and crispy. 

Dinner is ready in 30 minutes with this simple recipe for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs made in the air fryer. 

Oil + a few dried seasonings is all it takes. Learn how to make crispy skin chicken thighs below with lots of tips so you can create a delicious dinner for your family.

Ingredients Needed

• Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken Thighs – Thighs is what this recipe has been tested with but you could use any bone-in, skin-on cut of meat that you prefer. Like chicken legs, chicken wings, or chicken breasts. Keep in mind that if you choose to use boneless skinless cuts of chicken that you won’t get the crispy skin and the chicken is more likely to dry. I only recommend using a bone-in, skin-on cut of chicken in this recipe.
• Oil – Use your preferred cooking oil like canola or vegetable oil, olive oil, or avocado oil. I like using extra-virgin ‘light tasting’ olive oil whenever I need cooking oil. 
• Minced Garlic – You need 1 teaspoon of minced garlic for this recipe. Use fresh garlic cloves that have been minced or pressed, use chopped garlic from a jar, or use garlic paste. 
• Paprika – For a slightly smokey flavor try using smoked paprika. 
• Lemon Pepper – This is a dried seasoning blend that is easily found by the other spices at the store. 
• Kosher Salt

How To Make Air Fryer Bone In Chicken Thighs

Learn how to make chicken thighs in the air fryer with these easy to follow steps. Be sure and read below where there is a detailed recipe card, a printable recipe option, and a pin it button so you can save the recipe for later. 

• Prep : Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper, if wanted. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F. 
• Chicken Thighs : Use a paper towel to pat dry the chicken. Place them into a mixing bowl. Drizzle the oil and minced garlic over and then toss to coat each piece in the oil and garlic. In a small bowl, whisk together the spices and then sprinkle it over the chicken inside the bowl. Use your clean hands to pat and press the seasonings into the chicken, making sure each piece is covered well. 
• Cook : Place the chicken, skin side down, into the air fryer basket and air fry for 10-11 minutes, making sure to turn them halfway through. The skin should be browned and crispy, and the internal temperature should be at 160 degrees F.
• Rest : Let them rest for about 5 minutes before cutting and serving. 

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs FAQ’s

• How Long To Cook Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer?

  • The most important thing when cooking these chicken thighs, is that the internal temperature reaches at least 160 degrees F before you remove them from the air fryer basket. 
  • I have found that the time needed really depends on the air fryer you are using and how large the pieces of chicken thigh you are cooking. 
  • This recipe calls for the chicken to cook 9-11 minutes, flipping each piece halfway through. 
  • The cook time does not matter as much as 1) is the chicken up to temperature, and 2) is the skin browned and crispy. I recommend you set the air fryer timer for 10 minutes and go from there. It could take up to 12 minutes to cook the chicken depending on the size.

• How To Store Leftovers

  • Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight container. The thighs will keep well in the fridge for 3-5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. 
  • When reheating the chicken, be aware that using the microwave will result in a soft, possibly saggy, skin.
  • I recommend reheating it in the air fryer at 400 degrees F until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Reheating it this way ensures that the skin stays crispy and the chicken stays tender. 
  • You can also just pull the meat off the bone and eat it or use the meat in another recipe. 

• Is It Necessary For Me To Use Parchment Paper in the Air Fryer?

  • You don’t have to line the air fryer basket with parchment paper if you don’t want to. It helps make clean-up a breeze, however, it won’t affect the final outcome of the recipe if you choose to not use it. 
  • An air fryer tip I always share is that you don’t want to spray the basket directly with cooking spray as that can ruin the non-stick surface. 
  • The air fryer basket will clean easily with warm water and soap. 

• How To Serve Bone In Chicken Thighs

  • These chicken thighs are the perfect protein for any main meal. My favorite way to serve them is with a side of potatoes (try my Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes or Roasted Red Potatoes) and a vegetable side dish such as Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Slow Cooker Sweet Carrots, or make some roasted broccoli. 
  • You can also serve it over a bed of greens or as part of a salad. The chicken also pairs nicely with rice, cauliflower rice, or couscous. Lots of options with this versatile dish!

Recipe Tips

Here are a few of my helpful tips so that you can have success recreating this recipe in your own kitchen ♥

• Flip Chicken Halfway : It’s important to flip each chicken thigh, halfway through the cook time, as this ensures that both sides get crispy and browned. Especially that skin on top! Most air fryers will now ding and give you a reminder to flip the food so it should be easy. 
• Use Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken : My usual personal preference is boneless chicken but in this recipe, you must use bone-in, skin-on chicken instead. The bone provides so much flavor and with the skin-on, you end up with this really crispy and charred exterior that is just so good. This is one of the few recipes that I will eat even with it being bone-in. You can also use any cut of meat as long as it has the bone and skin on. Like chicken legs, chicken breasts, or wings. 
• Seasonings : This recipe is easily adaptable to what you prefer. The simplicity of the paprika + lemon pepper + kosher salt is perfect but that doesn’t mean that you can’t add more or mix it up a bit. Smokey paprika is a great option if you want a smokier flavor. You could also try using Italian seasoning. Another good option is to use garlic pepper seasoning + the lemon pepper seasoning. It’s a good mix and provides tons of flavor. 

More Air Fryer Recipes To Try

• Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
• Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket
• Cheese Bombs (Made In The Air Fryer)
• Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
• Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins