Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Home/Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Perfectly crispy skin, juicy inside. 25-30 minutes. That's it.

Prep 5 minCook 25 minTotal 30 minServes 4Cost $2.00/serving★ 4.8(247)

Servings

Est. total: $8.00 · $2.00/serving

Cost estimates are approximate and vary by location, store, season, and brand. Actual prices may differ.

Ingredients

  • 4 pieces bone-in chicken thighs
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1

    Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. This is the secret to crispy skin.

    4 pieces bone-in chicken thighs

    The drier the skin, the crispier it gets.

  2. 2

    Mix garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

    1 tsp garlic powder1 tsp smoked paprika1/2 tsp onion powder1 tsp salt1/2 tsp black pepper
  3. 3

    Rub olive oil over chicken thighs, then coat evenly with the spice mixture.

    1 tbsp olive oil
  4. 4

    Place chicken skin-side down in the air fryer basket. Cook at 380°F for 10 minutes.

  5. 5

    Flip chicken skin-side up. Increase temp to 400°F and cook 10-15 more minutes until internal temp reaches 165°F. Time varies by thigh size — use a thermometer.

    Use an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part, not touching bone. 165°F is non-negotiable.

  6. 6

    Rest 5 minutes before serving.

Pairs With

🍷Chardonnay$

Unoaked or lightly oaked California Chardonnay

Bright acidity cuts through the crispy skin fat

🍺Pilsner$

Czech-style pilsner or light lager

Clean and crisp, doesn't compete with the spice rub

🍸Paloma$$

Tequila, grapefruit soda, lime

Grapefruit's bitterness + fizz is perfect with fried chicken

Nutrition

80

Calories

7

Proteing

0

Carbsg

6

Fatg

Per serving. Estimated values. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice.

Tips

  • •Don't overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches if needed.
  • •Leftover chicken shreds perfectly for tacos or salads.

Substitutions

  • smoked paprika → regular paprika + a tiny pinch of cayenne
  • garlic powder → 1 clove fresh garlic, minced (rub into chicken)

Leftovers

Store in airtight container up to 4 days. Reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 5 min.

Leftover Ideas

Shred for chicken tacosChop into a grain bowlSlice over a Caesar salad

Nutrition values are estimates calculated per serving and may vary based on brand, preparation method, and serving size. Not a substitute for professional dietary or medical advice. Consult a registered dietitian for specific nutritional needs.

Allergen Notice: Recipes may contain or come into contact with major allergens including milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, and sesame. Always verify ingredient labels for allergen information specific to the brands you use.

Drink pairing suggestions are for adults of legal drinking age only. Please drink responsibly.

Food Safety: Follow USDA safe minimum internal temperatures: Poultry 165°F (74°C), Ground meats 165°F (74°C), Beef/pork/lamb steaks 145°F (63°C) with 3-min rest, Fish 145°F (63°C). Use an instant-read thermometer — do not rely on visual cues alone. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.