Looking for a simple yet flavorful way to cook chicken thighs? This Air Fryer Chicken Thighs recipe is just what you need! With a perfectly crispy skin and juicy interior, these chicken thighs are easy to prepare and full of delicious flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special meal, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.
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Why Air Fryer Chicken Thighs?
Air frying is one of the best methods for cooking chicken thighs. It allows you to achieve that perfect crispy skin without excess oil, making it a healthier option than traditional frying. The air fryer cooks the chicken evenly, always ensuring tender and juicy meat. Plus, it’s faster than an oven, making it ideal for busy days.
PRO TIPS for Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Marinating the chicken thighs for at least an hour (or overnight) enhances the flavor and tenderness. The longer you marinate, the more flavorful your chicken will be.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking and a crispy finish.
- Arrange in a Single Layer: First, place the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, skin side down. This helps the skin get crispy without overcrowding the basket.
- Check the Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
iNGREDIENTS
Chicken thighs, bone-in, and skin-on
Salt
Dried parsley
Dried oregano
Black pepper
Onion powder
Garlic powder
Olive oil
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine 1.5 teaspoons salt, 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley, 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/8 teaspoon onion powder, 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder, and 2 tablespoons olive oil.
Marinate the Chicken: Place 1 kg of bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
Air Fry the Chicken: Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, shaking off any excess. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin side down. Cook at 380°F (190°C) for 12 minutes.
Flip and Finish Cooking: After 12 minutes, flip the chicken thighs and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy.
Serve: Let the chicken thighs rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve with your favorite sides.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftover chicken thighs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To restore the crispiness, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes.
Best Cooking Methods
While the air fryer is the perfect tool for achieving crispy skin and juicy meat with minimal oil, you can also bake these chicken thighs in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 35-40 minutes. However, the air fryer offers a quicker cooking time, a crispier texture, and uses less oil.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these air fryer chicken thighs with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. They also pair well with rice, quinoa, or your favorite grain. For a complete meal, add a dipping sauce like BBQ, honey mustard, or ranch on the side.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Medium Cowl
Ingredients
- 1 kg chicken thighs bone-in and skin-on
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together salt, dried parsley, dried oregano, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and olive oil to create a marinade.
- Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag and coat them evenly with the marinade. Let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade and shake off any excess marinade.
- Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin side down, in a single layer. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cook the chicken thighs in the air fryer at 380°F (190°C) for 12 minutes.
- After 12 minutes, flip the chicken thighs over using tongs and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy and golden brown.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot with your favorite side dishes.
FAQs about Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They may cook faster, so reduce the cooking time slightly and check for doneness. - Can I customize the marinade?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices, such as paprika, thyme, or cumin, to suit your taste. - Is marinating necessary?
Marinating adds flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can season the chicken with salt and pepper and proceed with air frying. - Can I use other cuts of chicken?
Yes, chicken drumsticks or even wings can be cooked using this method. Just adjust the cooking time based on the size and cut of the chicken.
I hope you enjoy making this version of the Air-Fried Chicken Thighs. Please leave a comment on how yours turned out.
About the Author
I am Seun, and I love to share my first-hand experience using multiple air fryers. Stick around for yummy delicacies made from the air fryer and many amazing tips on using your newfound Kitchen appliance – the air fryer!
