Description
These crispy, juicy chicken thighs are seasoned with simple spices and cooked to perfection in the air fryer. You’ll get that crispy skin without any deep frying—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs / 900g)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or rosemary)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for heat)
Instructions
-
Preheat the air fryer
- Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for 5 minutes.
-
Season the chicken
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels (this helps the skin crisp up).
- In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, thyme, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using).
- Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken thighs, making sure to coat both sides and under the skin.
-
Air fry the chicken
- Place the thighs in the air fryer basket, skin-side down, in a single layer.
- Cook for 10 minutes, then flip the thighs skin-side up and cook for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is crispy.
-
Rest and serve
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, veggies, or a side of mashed potatoes.
Notes
- For boneless, skinless thighs, reduce the cook time to 12–14 minutes total.
- Add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese or lemon zest before serving for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.