Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs seasoned with garlic, paprika and thyme and air fried until the skin is crackling crisp. Serves 4.

Naturally gluten-freeDairy-freeKetoLow-carbHigh-proteinPaleoMediterraneanBudget-friendlyNo added sugar

Crispy air fryer chicken thighs with golden skin on a platter
  • Prep 10 min
  • Cook 25 min
  • Total 35 min
  • Yield 4 servings

Jump to: Ingredients | Instructions | Nutrition | Tips | Questions | Print recipe

Chicken thighs are made for the air fryer: the fat under the skin renders out and the skin turns as crisp as a roast chicken in about 25 minutes.

Starting skin side down and finishing skin side up gives the crispest result. Thighs stay juicy even at 175°F, which makes the meat more tender than stopping at 165°F.

Ingredients

  • 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 3 pounds)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Heat the air fryer. Heat the air fryer to 380°F.
  2. Season. Pat the thighs very dry. Rub with the oil, then the salt, paprika, garlic powder, thyme and pepper.
  3. Air fry. Place the thighs skin side down in a single layer and cook 12 minutes. Turn skin side up and cook 10 to 13 minutes more, until the skin is crisp and the meat reaches at least 165°F (175°F is even more tender).
  4. Rest. Rest 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition per serving (estimated)

580Calories
1 gCarbohydrates
0 gFiber
1 gNet carbs
41 gProtein
44 gFat

Estimated per serving, based on 4 servings, using USDA FoodData Central values for each ingredient. Net carbs are carbohydrates minus fiber. Optional ingredients, garnishes and anything served on the side are not included. Brands and portion sizes change the numbers.

Naturally gluten-freeDairy-freeKetoLow-carbHigh-proteinPaleoMediterraneanBudget-friendlyNo added sugar

Tips

  • Dry skin is crisp skin: pat the thighs with paper towels, or leave them uncovered in the refrigerator for a few hours.
  • Cook in two batches in a small air fryer.

Questions about this recipe

How long do chicken thighs take in the air fryer?
About 22 to 25 minutes at 380°F for bone-in, skin-on thighs, turned once.
What temperature should chicken thighs reach?
At least 165°F. Thighs are juicier and more tender at 175°F.

Serve it with

Build the whole dinner: sides, sauce and dessert ›

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