These perfectly seasoned Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are tender and juicy on the inside and deliciously crispy on the outside. Made in under 30 minutes, they're perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.

Jump to:

• ❤️ Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Chicken Recipe
• 🛒 Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
• 🔪 How to Make Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer
• 💡 Air Fryer Chicken Tips
• ☑️ Storage Instructions
• 🍴 What to Serve with Bone-in Thighs
• 🔄 Substitutions and Additions
• Can I Freeze Leftovers?
• Can You Air Fry Chicken Thighs from Frozen?
• Are Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Healthy?
• Can I Use Boneless Thighs?
• 🍽️ More Air Fryer Recipes

❤️ Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Chicken Recipe

• Tender chicken thighs made easily in the air fryer
• Juicy inside, with crispy skin outside
• Seasoned with blend of herbs and spices
• Made in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights
• Serve with any side dish that you like

An air fryer it’s a wonderful kitchen shortcut appliance that makes food turn out crispy and delicious in no time. These bone-in chicken thighs are a perfect example!  They get awesome crispy skin while staying juicy on the inside, thanks to the way hot air circulates around them.

These seasoned chicken thighs are an easy and versatile main course, that you can pair with just about any side you prefer. Whether it's for a casual dinner with the family or a dinner party with friends, air fryer chicken thighs are always a huge hit.

This chicken recipe is absolutely delicious just as it is, but you can change up with your favorite seasonings. If you enjoy chicken thighs, also try these Baked Chicken Thighs or these Pickle Brined Chicken Thighs.

🛒 Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

• Chicken thighs
• Olive oil
• Garlic salt
• Smoked paprika
• Onion powder
• Dried thyme
• Ground black pepper

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Air Fryer
• Brush
• Meat thermometer

🔪 How to Make Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer

Preheat air fryer to 400°F.

Dry your chicken thighs with paper towels, then brush with the olive oil on all sides.

Sprinkle the garlic salt, smoked paprika, onion powder, dried thyme and ground black pepper on both sides of each piece.

Place the chicken in the air fryer.  Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might have to cook them in two batches.

Cook for 20-23 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.

Allow to rest for a few minutes before cutting into and serving.

💡 Air Fryer Chicken Tips

• Preheat your air fryer: Just like a regular oven, it's always a good idea to preheat your air fryer. This helps ensure even cooking and that crispy skin we all love.

• Pat the chicken thighs dry: Before brushing them with oil, make sure to pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the oil stick to the skins, giving them a crispy texture.

• Avoid overcrowding: Give the chicken thighs some breathing room in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can prevent air circulation, which can cause uneven cooking.

• Flip halfway through: For even crispiness on both sides, make sure you flip the chicken thighs after about 10-12 minutes.

• Check internal temperature: For best results in ensuring chicken is thoroughly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach at least 165°F.

• Let them rest: Allow the chicken thighs to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist and flavorful.

☑️ Storage Instructions

These chicken thighs are best when served right after they are cooked. This is when the skin is still crispy. If you have leftovers, you can keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a few days. Reheat them in the air fryer until warm.

🍴 What to Serve with Bone-in Thighs

These chicken thighs can go with anything from a simple side salad to a decadent side dish casserole. Here are some great ideas to consider:

• Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
• Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
• Garlic Potatoes with Green Beans
• Creamed Corn
• Air Fryer Sweet Potato
• Cheesy Roasted Cauliflower

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

• Spice it up: For a kick of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, chili powder, or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.  

• Seasoning blends: Change up the flavors by seasoning the chicken with a little Cajun Seasoning, Blackened Seasoning, Ranch Seasoning or some of this Taco Seasoning.

• Citrus zest: Add a little citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, to the seasoning. As it air fries, the zest releases oils that give the chicken amazing flavor.

• Fresh herbs: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano. Just make sure that you finely chop them before adding them to the seasonings.   

• Sweet glaze: Once the chicken has finished cooking add a sweet drizzle of honey or maple syrup.

• Toppings: Take the thighs to a whole new level with a topping of fresh Homemade Salsa or this Walnut Pesto.

If you like bold and delicious Asian flavors, be sure to also try this air fryer orange chicken! If you love turkey, try these air fryer turkey legs that are perfectly seasoned, tender and juicy.

Also be sure to try this 3 ingredient brown sugar Italian chicken or this air fryer chicken and potatoes that are ready in under 30 minutes!

Can I Freeze Leftovers?

This chicken is best when its freshly cooked. But, if you have leftovers, you pull the chicken off the bone and add it to a freezer bag, squeezing out as much excess air as possible.

Stick it in the freezer for up to 3 months and you'll have it on hand to thaw and add to your favorite soup, casseroles or frittata recipe.

Can You Air Fry Chicken Thighs from Frozen?

Technically, you can air fry frozen chicken thighs, but I recommend that you thaw them first. Thawed thighs cook faster, more even and have better flavor absorption.

Are Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Healthy?

Chicken, in general, is a healthy source of protein. Air frying chicken thighs are especially a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods.

Can I Use Boneless Thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs in place of bone-in. You'll want to adjust the cooking time, because boneless thighs cook slightly faster.

🍽️ More Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
• Air Fryer Bone-in Pork Chops
• Air Fryer Pesto Salmon
• Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp
• Air Fryer Roasted Garlic