Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe

These Air Fryer Chicken Hips are crispy on the outside but juicy inside. These deliciously seasoned, super flavorful chicken legs can be prepared in just 20 minutes.

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Recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

An air fryer is the best way to cook chicken legs. It’s quick and easy to have bone-in, skin-on chicken legs ready in just 20 minutes. Or boneless, skinless chicken breasts, ready in 16 minutes. The air fryer makes chicken thighs extremely versatile. You can change up the spices to create different flavor combinations. There’s nothing better than crispy chicken skin. It’s so crispy and thin that it almost melts in your mouth. These chicken thighs can be served with rice or roasted vegetables to make them more substantial.

How long does it take to cook chicken thighs in an air fryer?

It will take approximately:

For bone-in chicken thighs with skin, it takes 18-22 minutes
For boneless, skinless chicken thighs, it takes 16-20 minutes

The total cooking time for poultry varies. To ensure that the temperature is not too high, use a digital meat thermometer to measure it before you serve.

What you need?

Chicken Thighs: I used boneless chicken thighs with the skin on. This recipe can also be made with boneless chicken legs, which will take approximately 2 to 3 minutes longer.

Oil: Although I prefer olive oil, any oil can be used, such as avocado oil or canola oil.

Spices: This recipe calls for a dry rub. It was so delicious! You will need brown sugar, salt and garlic powder.

How to cook chicken thighs in an air fryer?

Preheat the air fryer to 380°F
Use paper towels to dry the chicken thighs.
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, salt and garlic powder. Use the dry rub to season the chicken thighs.
After the oven has been preheated, spray your basket with nonstick spray and place the chicken thighs skin-side down in one layer.
After 10 minutes of air-frying, flip the chicken legs over and cook for another 8-12 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Tips for Air Fried Chicken Thighs

The chicken thighs don’t need to be washed. You can pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will ensure a crisper chicken skin.
Use a dry rub. The skin will only get crispy if enough moisture comes from the marinades.
Only a small amount of oil is required. You can make your skin soggy if you use too much oil.
Cook in batches. Refrain from overloading the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crisp skin. My air fryer comfortably accommodated four chicken thighs without any overlap.

Storing and Reheating

Storing: For up to five days, keep leftovers in an airtight container in your refrigerator.

Reheat: For leftover chicken thighs, heat them in an air fryer for 3-4 mins or in the microwave.