Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Thighs

Get ultra-crispy, juicy chicken thighs in your air fryer in just 25 minutes! This easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal oil. Perfect for busy weeknights.

air fryer chicken thighs crispy chicken air fryer recipes easy dinner keto chicken low carb dinner
Quick Dinners Healthy

Ingredients

  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Ready for the crispiest chicken thighs you've ever made without deep frying? Your air fryer is about to become your best friend! These come out with shatteringly crispy skin and incredibly juicy meat every single time.

1

Pat your chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. This is the most important step for crispy skin! Remove any excess moisture from both sides.

2

In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and rub the spice mixture all over, getting under the skin too.

3

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the basket in a single layer. Don't overcrowd — cook in batches if needed.

4

Air fry for 10 minutes skin-side down, then flip the thighs over so skin is facing up. Continue cooking for 12-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is deeply golden and crispy.

5

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it incredibly moist and tender.

6

Serve with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

And that's it — perfectly crispy air fryer chicken thighs with minimal effort! The skin is like crackling and the meat falls right off the bone. Save this recipe and try it tonight!

Recommended Kitchen Essentials

Every great recipe starts with great tools. Here are our top picks to make cooking easier and more enjoyable:

Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet The workhorse of any kitchen. Perfect for searing steaks, baking, and more. Victorinox 8-Inch Chef's Knife A sharp, reliable chef's knife that professionals and home cooks love. OXO Good Grips Cutting Board Non-slip, easy to clean, and gentle on your knives. ThermoPro Instant-Read Thermometer Take the guesswork out of cooking. Get perfectly done meat every time. Cuisinart Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls Durable, stackable bowls for prep, mixing, and serving.

Support Quick Bites Kitchen — When you purchase through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep creating free recipes for everyone. Thank you!