Crispy Air Fryer Chicken ThighsAir fryer chicken thighs are popular because they can turn out crispy on the outside and juicy inside with minimal oil.
Ingredients
- 4–6 chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless, skin-on or skinless)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: pinch of cayenne, dried herbs, or lemon zest
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels (this helps the skin crisp).
- Rub with olive oil and seasonings, coating all sides.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for a few minutes if your model recommends it.
- Place chicken thighs in the basket in a single layer.
- Cook:
- Bone-in, skin-on thighs: about 22–28 minutes
- Boneless thighs: about 15–20 minutes
- Flip halfway through for more even browning.
- Check that the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
- Let rest for 3–5 minutes before serving.
Tips for extra crispy thighs
- Don’t overcrowd the basket—air circulation is what creates crispiness.
- Use skin-on thighs for the crispiest result.
- A small amount of baking powder mixed into a dry seasoning rub can help crisp chicken skin (avoid using too much).
Serve with roasted vegetables, salad, rice, potatoes, or your favorite dipping sauce.
