Why Make This Recipe
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious meal. Cooking with an air fryer makes the chicken crispy on the outside while keeping it juicy on the inside. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without too much hassle.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Ingredients:
- Bone-in chicken thighs
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
Directions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, coat the chicken thighs with olive oil and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is crispy and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Serve your Air Fryer Chicken Thighs hot, straight from the air fryer. They go well with a side of steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or fluffy rice. Drizzle a bit of lemon juice over the chicken for extra flavor, or pair it with your favorite dipping sauce.
How to Store Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
If you have leftovers, let the chicken cool down completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the thighs in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, just reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through.
Tips to Make Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel before seasoning them. This helps to get them extra crispy.
- Make sure to preheat the air fryer. This helps the chicken start cooking right away, resulting in a nice crust.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed to ensure even cooking.
Variation
You can easily switch up the seasonings in this recipe. Try adding some cayenne pepper for a bit of spice or use Italian herbs instead of paprika for a different flavor profile.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs! Just adjust the cooking time as they may cook faster than bone-in thighs.
Do I need to marinate the chicken before cooking?
No, marinating is not necessary, but you can marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight for extra flavor if you have the time.
Can I cook frozen chicken thighs in the air fryer?
Yes! You can cook frozen chicken thighs in the air fryer. Just increase the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes and make sure to check the internal temperature.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces Bone-in chicken thighs Bone-in for juiciness
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil For coating
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Salt To taste
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper To taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, coat the chicken thighs with olive oil and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Cooking
- Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is crispy and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving.