Name: Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 bone-in chicken thighs; 1 tablespoon paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Garnish – fresh herbs and lemon wedges

Jump to Recipe

If you’re seeking a quick yet deeply flavorful dinner with perfectly crispy skin, this Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine tender, juicy chicken wrapped in smoky paprika and garlic, all with an irresistibly golden exterior straight from the air fryer. With only a handful of staple ingredients, this dish packs all the savory punch you crave on weeknights, yet feels special enough for sharing with friends. If you’re new to air frying or just looking to shake up your chicken game, you’re in for a treat!

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe gets its magic from a blend of familiar pantry staples — each one adding essential notes of flavor, color, and aroma. While the list is short, every ingredient pulls its weight, working together to create pure chicken thigh perfection.

Chicken Thighs (bone-in): The star of the show! Bone-in chicken thighs bring maximum juiciness and rich, meaty flavor that stands up to bold seasonings.
Paprika: This spice gives the chicken its gorgeous color and a subtle smoky depth, making each bite more complex and delicious.
Salt: Essential for enhancing the natural chicken flavor and ensuring the seasoning truly pops.
Garlic Powder: A quick way to infuse deep, mellow garlic flavor without overpowering the chicken or burning during air frying.
Black Pepper: Adds bright, peppery heat, balancing all the savory notes in the mix.
Olive Oil: Helps lock in moisture and crisps up the chicken skin perfectly in the air fryer.
Fresh Herbs and Lemon Wedges (for garnish): A final flourish of freshness and zesty brightness that lifts the entire dish.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Dry Your Chicken

Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This step ensures the skin crisps up beautifully in the air fryer instead of steaming. Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl so there’s plenty of room to coat them evenly with your seasoning. This little bit of prep is the first step toward that super-crispy finish!

Step 2: Season Generously

Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken thighs and sprinkle on the paprika, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Now, use your hands or tongs to toss everything together—make sure each piece is completely coated. The oil helps the spices cling, while the simple blend creates layers of savory, garlicky goodness in every bite.

Step 3: Arrange in the Air Fryer

Settle the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down in your air fryer basket. Giving them a little space means the heat circulates well, guaranteeing crisp skin all over. Getting that perfect, even crisp is what makes this Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe a true winner.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Cook the chicken thighs at 400 degrees F for 10 minutes, then use tongs to flip them skin-side up. Continue air frying for another 10 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. The high heat locks in juiciness while rendering the skin shatteringly crisp—just the way chicken should be!

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once your chicken is done, let it rest for about 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to settle and keeps every bite moist. The wait might be tough, but it truly makes a difference, turning this Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe from good to unforgettable!

How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs like parsley, thyme, or chives instantly brightens the platter with color and aroma. Add lemon wedges alongside for each person to squeeze over their chicken—the citrusy zing ties the savory spices together, making the flavors pop.

Side Dishes

Pair these air fried chicken thighs with a fresh green salad, fluffy rice, roasted potatoes, or steamed vegetables. The richly seasoned chicken loves a side that can soak up its juices, so crusty bread or garlic mashed potatoes are also outstanding choices with this Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual family meal, pile the chicken on a serving board with your favorite dipping sauce and extra lemon wedges. If you’re entertaining, slice the thighs and serve them over a hearty grain bowl, or tuck slices into warm pita with crunchy slaw for a playful, hands-on dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners throughout the week.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual cooked thighs in foil and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They keep beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture when you’re ready to reheat and enjoy.

Reheating

Reheat your chicken thighs in the air fryer or oven at 375 degrees F for about 5–7 minutes. This keeps the skin crispy while gently warming the inside, so every bite tastes fresh. Avoid the microwave for best texture results!

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?

Absolutely! Just reduce the cooking time by a few minutes and check for doneness around the 14–16 minute mark. Boneless thighs will still turn out juicy and flavorful with this Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe.

Do I need to marinate the chicken?

No marinating is required because the spice blend infuses plenty of flavor as it cooks. However, if you’d like even more depth, you can let the seasoned chicken rest in the fridge for up to an hour before air frying.

What if I don’t have paprika?

You can swap in smoked paprika for extra smoky notes or use chili powder for a bit of heat. Either way, your Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe will still deliver bold and delicious flavor.

Can this recipe be doubled?

Yes, just make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed to make sure each piece gets evenly crisped and cooked through.

Is the skin really crispy using this method?

Yes! Drying the skin thoroughly and air frying at high heat ensures the chicken skin becomes irresistibly crispy, one of the highlights of this Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe.

Final Thoughts

Give this Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe a try and watch it become your new weeknight staple! The method is simple, the flavors are bold, and every bite is packed with crispy, juicy satisfaction. Grab those chicken thighs, fire up your air fryer, and treat yourself to homemade chicken that rivals any restaurant favorite.

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 22 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that results in crispy, flavorful chicken with juicy meat on the inside. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

4 bone-in chicken thighs
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
Garnish – fresh herbs and lemon wedges

Instructions

Pat the chicken dry: Use a paper towel to pat the chicken thighs dry. Place them in a large bowl.
Season the chicken: Drizzle olive oil over the chicken. Add paprika, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Toss well to coat the chicken evenly with the spices.
Air fry: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin side down. Air fry for 10 minutes.
Flip and continue cooking: Flip the chicken thighs over and air fry for another 10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
Rest and serve: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.