Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Turn on the air fryer! These chicken thighs are ready to be cooked to a rich golden color with juicy, tender meat every single time. The seasoning ingredients (just four if you don't count salt and pepper) are so customizable that you could make this air fryer recipe for family dinner any night of the week. Cooking in the air fryer avoids the messy splatter of a pan fry and shaves off nearly half the cook time of an oven roast. Raising the air fryer's temperature after flipping helps the skin become so irresistibly crisp, you'll want to eat it all at once. Think of it like fried chicken, but healthier! 

Round out this main with any vegetable side dish and you've got a healthy chicken dinner that even the pickiest of eaters will enjoy.

Should you put raw chicken in an air fryer?

Sure! There's nothing wrong with putting raw chicken in an air fryer as long as you cook it properly. This recipe will show you how.

How long do you cook chicken thighs in an air fryer?

It takes about 30 minutes to cook chicken thighs in an air fryer. You'll cook them for 18 minutes first, then flip them and cook for another 10 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thighs. If they're at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit, they're ready to eat. If the chicken thighs haven't reached that temperature yet, pop 'em back in the air fryer to cook until they do. 

What seasonings can I use for chicken thighs?

Try swapping the paprika in this recipe for garlic powder, chili powder, or a salt-free Cajun seasoning. The Italian seasoning will play well with any of these spices.

Can I substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for bone-in, skin-on thighs?

The bone in the chicken thigh helps keep it moist as it cooks in the air fryer. The skin (besides being delicious) also acts as a barrier to keep the meat from drying out. Stick to bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for this recipe.

How do I keep food from sticking to the air fryer basket?

Cooking spray is your friend here. Give the basket (a handy air fryer accessory) a good coat of cooking spray before adding the chicken; then coat the tops of the thighs when it's time to flip (this will help the skin to crisp).