Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Do you love a quick and easy meal idea that doesn't sacrifice nutrition or taste? Then this air fryer chicken thigh recipe is just what you're looking for. Resulting in the perfect blend of tenderness and crispiness, these succulent chicken thighs are marinated in a flavorful medley of herbs and spices before being cooked to perfection in the air fryer.

Whether it's for a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, these delicious air fryer chicken thighs promise to impress even the pickiest of eaters. Say goodbye to the greasy guilt and say hello to a healthier, tastier way to enjoy your favorite crispy chicken thighs!

Recipe Video

Why This Recipe Works

This air fryer chicken thigh recipe works on a variety of different levels.

The first thing you'll love about this recipe is how customizable it is. You can use so many different combinations of sauces, herbs, oils, and spices to season your chicken that you will never run out of new ways to surprise and delight your pallet.

Another thing you will love about this recipe is that it is so convenient. Not only does it take less than 20 minutes to prepare and cook this dish, but you can also prepare it in advance and freeze it before cooking. This will give you multiple chicken thighs to pull out of the freezer and pop into the air fryer when you need a quick meal on the go.

Finally, you will love how easy it is to get flavorful, tender, and crispy chicken each and every time by making it in your air fryer.

Ingredients

Chicken Thighs:

While bone-in thighs are more flavorful, you can also use boneless if you like. It's really just a matter of personal preference.

Seasonings:

There are a variety of different seasonings that you can use to make your air fryer chicken thighs if you choose to vary from the recipe. You can incorporate your favorite herbs and spices to flavor the chicken thighs to suit your own personal taste. You can also base your meal around the flavors in your air fryer chicken thighs.

Marinate your chicken in some garlic, scallions, sesame oil, and soy sauce for some Asian-inspired flavors, or use taco seasoning to bring the flavors of Mexico to your air fryer chicken thighs. If you have a herb garden, use what's in the season to inspire your pallet. Get creative and have fun!

Non-Stick Cooking Spray:

The cooking spray is necessary to prevent your chicken thighs from sticking to the air fryer basket. If you don't have any, you can add 4-6 tablespoons of olive oil to the bowl when you are seasoning the thighs. This will prevent your chicken from sticking and help crisp it up nicely. Use the oil sparingly, though, as much isn't needed when cooking with an air fryer.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Step One: 

Place your chicken thighs in a bowl, and add lemon juice, onion powder, pepper, garlic powder, salt, Italian seasoning, and sweet paprika, ensuring to coat each thigh evenly.

Step Two: 

Gently massage the seasonings into the chicken.

Step Three: 

Add your thighs to the air fryer basket, evenly spaced, with no overlapping. This may require cooking two batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.

Step Four:

Give the chicken a coat of non-stick cooking spray and air fry for 12 minutes at 400F. The chicken is done once the skin is crispy and golden brown, the juices run clear, and the internal temperature has reached 165F.

Step Five: 

Garnish with lemon zest (optional), serve, and enjoy!

Tips

• Once you have seasoned your chicken thighs, let them marinate for 15-30 minutes. If you have the time, you can let them marinate for as long as overnight. This will help tenderize the meat, resulting in a more flavorful outcome.
• Once the chicken thighs are cooked and removed from the air fryer, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, giving you flavorful and tender chicken thighs.

What to Serve With Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

These air fryer chicken thighs are so versatile that by changing up the flavors in your seasoning, you can unlock a whole world of potential side dishes to serve with them.

Season your chicken thighs with jerk seasoning and serve them with black rice and fried plantains. Make the chicken using curry seasoning and serve the thighs alongside some chickpea curry and ghee rice. Or make the recipe as is and serve this deliciously lemony chicken with parmesan potatoes and carrot fries. The options are endless with this air fryer chicken thigh recipe.

FAQs

Do I need to preheat the air fryer before cooking chicken thighs?

While it is not necessary, it is recommended to preheat your air fryer before cooking. Preheating will ensure even cooking and more consistent results because the chicken will begin to cook immediately.

Should I flip the chicken thighs during air frying?

Yes, flipping the chicken thighs halfway through the cooking process helps ensure even browning on both sides. This step contributes to evenly cooked, crispy chicken thighs that everyone will love.

How long can leftover air fryer chicken thighs be stored?

You can store your leftover air fryer chicken thighs for up to 4 days in the fridge when sealed in an airtight container. Additionally, for longer-term storage, you can store your leftover thighs in an airtight bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months.

More Chicken Recipes

If you love these quick and easy air fryer chicken thighs, then let these additional chicken recipes inspire your next meal.

• Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
• Air Fryer Chicken Wings
• Air Fryer Chicken Gizzards
• Peri Peri Chicken
• Chicken Lettuce Wraps