Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Why Make This Recipe

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are a delicious and easy meal that you can whip up in less than 30 minutes. The air fryer gives the chicken a crispy exterior while keeping it juicy inside. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty but don’t have much time to cook. Plus, it’s a healthier option than deep-frying.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on (about 4 pieces)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 tablespoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce (optional)
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

Directions

1. Place the chicken thighs in a large sealable bag.
2. Add the vegetable oil and all the seasonings to the bag.
3. Seal the bag and shake well to coat the chicken evenly.
4. Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight.
5. When ready to cook, preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
6. Place the thighs, skin side up, in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
7. Cook for 25–28 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You can turn the chicken over halfway through for even cooking if you like.
8. Serve immediately with sides like mashed potatoes or vegetables.

How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Serve the chicken thighs hot, right out of the air fryer. They pair nicely with sides such as mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad. You can also drizzle some extra balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce over the top if you want some extra flavor.

How to Store Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy.

Tips to Make Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

1. Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
2. For extra flavor, you can add different herbs and spices to the marinade based on your preferences.
3. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Variation

You can use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time as boneless thighs may cook faster. You can also experiment with different marinades like spicy buffalo or teriyaki for a twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but keep in mind they may cook faster. Adjust the cooking time as needed.

2. Can I cook frozen chicken thighs in the air fryer?
Yes, you can cook frozen chicken thighs, but you need to increase the cooking time. usually, about 10 additional minutes should work.

3. Is marinating the chicken necessary?
Marinating enhances the flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can skip it. Just make sure to season the chicken well before cooking.

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Delicious and easy chicken thighs cooked in an air fryer, offering a crispy exterior and juicy interior in less than 30 minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hour hr

Cook Time 28 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 28 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 pieces

Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on (about 4 pieces)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 tablespoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce (optional) Optional for flavor enhancement
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Place the chicken thighs in a large sealable bag.
• Add the vegetable oil and all the seasonings to the bag.
• Seal the bag and shake well to coat the chicken evenly.
• Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight.

Cooking

• When ready to cook, preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
• Place the thighs, skin side up, in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Cook for 25–28 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• You can turn the chicken over halfway through for even cooking if you like.

Serving

• Serve immediately with sides like mashed potatoes or vegetables.

Notes

Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed to ensure even cooking and crispiness. For extra flavor, you can add different herbs and spices to the marinade based on your preferences. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature to ensure it’s fully cooked. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keyword Air fryer, Chicken Thighs, Healthy Cooking, quick dinner, Weeknight Meal