Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
🍗 Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
🍽️ Servings:
4 thighs (2–4 people depending on portion)
⏱️ Total Time:
30 minutes
(Prep: 5–10 min | Cook: 20 min)
🧂 Ingredients:
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4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 to 2 lbs)
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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1 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
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½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
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½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
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½ tsp black pepper
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Optional: ¼ tsp cayenne pepper for heat
🍳 Instructions:
1. Prep Chicken:
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Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up.
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In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using).
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Rub the mixture all over the chicken thighs, making sure to coat both the skin and underside.
2. Preheat Air Fryer:
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Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
3. Air Fry the Chicken:
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Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket (do not overcrowd).
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Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes.
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Flip thighs skin-side up and cook for another 10–12 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and skin is crispy and golden.
4. Rest and Serve:
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Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep the juices inside.
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Serve with rice, roasted veggies, or a side salad.
🔥 Tips for Extra Crispy Skin:
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After flipping, bump the temp up to 400°F (200°C) for the last 2–3 minutes.
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Always pat the chicken dry before seasoning.
📝 Variations:
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Boneless, skinless thighs: Reduce cooking time to about 14–16 minutes total.
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Asian-style: Use soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil instead of the dry rub.
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BBQ-style: Add a brush of BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking.