Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
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These air fryer chicken thighs are perfectly crispy on the outside and ridiculously juicy in the middle! Ready in just 12 minutes, they make a speedy and delicious dinner.
I love quick and easy proteins for busy weeknights, and these air fryer chicken thighs never let me down. After years in culinary school and professional kitchens, I’ve learned that simple techniques often deliver the best results- and this recipe is proof.
The air fryer gives the chicken irresistibly golden, crispy skin while keeping the meat juicy and tender inside. Because thighs are naturally rich and flavorful, a light touch of seasoning is all they need to shine. This is the kind of effortless, restaurant-quality dinner I make again and again when I want something that tastes special that comes together fast. My partner prefers this to all my chicken thigh recipes (and I have some fancy ones here!).
Table of Contents
Why make my air fryer chicken thighs recipe
- Quick and easy. These chicken thighs need less than 12 minutes to cook!
- No marinating is needed. The thighs need no marinating, just a few seasonings to let the meat shine.
- Crispy and juicy. The best texture.
- Versatile. We love to enjoy these thighs as is and pair them with some air fryer frozen green beans and air fryer baked potatoes for a well-balanced dinner.
What readers are saying
★★★★★ – “I have made this recipe many times, and the chicken always comes out so juicy and tender. I like to play around with different mixes of spices and herbs depending on what I am going for, but I almost always use smoked paprika. It adds a lovely savory flavor and goes with just about everything. Delicious!” – Adrienne
Key Ingredients
Here are some notes on the main players in this recipe. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
- Chicken thighs. Choose bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs, which turn out juicy when cooked. I’ve tried this with boneless skinless chicken thighs, and they are fine, too; you just don’t get the crispy skin.
- Olive oil. A flavorful and robust oil that gives the chicken a lovely flavor. Other oils will also work.
- Seasonings. I keep things simple with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. This seasoning mixture may sound basic, but it truly allows the natural flavors of the chicken thighs to shine.
How to make air fryer chicken thighs
Step 1- Soak up excess moisture from the chicken thighs using a paper towel.
Step 2- Rub the oil all over the chicken. Then, rub with seasonings.
Step 3- Add the chicken thighs to the air fryer. Air fry for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 4- Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F, it is ready to serve.
Arman’s recipe tips
- My #1 tip when working with chicken is always using a meat thermometer to check the doneness. As per the FDA, ready-to-eat chicken needs to have an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Air fryer cooking time. Some readers have mentioned that their thighs weren’t fully cooked in 12 minutes, so I thought I’d break it down 🙂 I’m using small 4-ounce chicken thighs, which take exactly 12 minutes (I tested it in all three of my air fryers for consistency). 6-ounce chicken thighs will take closer to 16 minutes, and 8-ounce chicken thighs will take about 20 minutes.
- Always pat the chicken dry before seasoning it. This guarantees a crispy exterior and keeps all the juices inside.
- Season under the skin. A trick I learned in culinary school: rubbing the seasoning under the skin packs in extra flavor and imparts it into the meat.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket or risk the chicken cooking unevenly. If needed, cook the thighs in batches. Also, try to choose equal-sized chicken thighs so they cook simultaneously.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, I tested this using frozen chicken thighs. There is no need to thaw the chicken first, but I’d suggest spraying it with cooking spray or rubbing some oil on it to help the seasonings stick. In terms of cooking time, add an extra 3-4 minutes.
Technically, no. I tested this recipe using skinless chicken thighs, and it worked well without the crispy skin. Saying that, it wasn’t as juicy as skin-on chicken. Remember, you can always remove the skin before eating.
Unfortunately, you cannot stack chicken thighs in the air fryer for consistent and crispy results. The air fryer circulates hot air around each chicken thigh, so there needs to be sufficient space around each one to crisp up properly.
✅ Nutrition reviewed
Nutrition information has been reviewed by registered dietitian Felicia Newell, MScAHN, RD, CPT.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Video
Ingredients
- 4 small chicken thighs skin-on fillets * See notes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, add the chicken and oil and mix together. Add the salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and garlic powder and mix well.
- Place chicken, skin side up, in an air fryer basket. Cook for 12 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Be sure to flip halfway through.
- Remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them sit for five minutes before serving.
Notes
- Chicken thighs and cooking time: I’m using 4-ounce chicken thighs, which cook in precisely 12 minutes. Larger thighs will take longer. Use a meat thermometer to double-check.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Works, but check at the 10-minute mark.
- TO STORE: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to five days.
- TO FREEZE: Place the cooked and cooled chicken in a ziplock bag and store it in the freezer for up to three months.
- TO REHEAT: Thaw the frozen air fryer chicken thighs overnight before reheating in the air fryer, oven, or even microwave.
Nutrition
More air fryer chicken recipes
- Air fryer fried chicken
- Air fryer chicken parmesan
- Air fryer BBQ chicken
- Air fryer frozen chicken wings
- Air fryer chicken cutlets
Originally published April 2022, updated 2025
Easy and perfect every time!!
Had thicker thighs, so added about 10 mins to time. Still great and I love how quick and easy they are:)
Awesome, super juicy and flavorful but not too strong!
So welcome!!
I made this tonight and it taste so good! Will make this one again.
Easy family favorite. We make it at least once a week, sometimes twice.
Awesome, super juicy and flavorful but not too strong!
These air fryer chicken thighs are such a fabulous and FAST dinner idea. We are obsessed.
Best air fryer chicken thighs ever. These are so juicy and tender.
This recipe is a 5 star keeper. Easy to prep and cook, packed with delicious flavor. Next time I will make extra rub to place under the skin as well. If your thighs are varying sizes, check small ones to prevent overcooking. My large thighs required an extra four minutes and they were defrosted.
Looks wonderful
These are so tasty and juicy, the best air fryer chicken thighs I have had. They are in my weekly rotation, I just rub them down a day or two before to really get the flavors into the meat and they come out perfect every time. Thanks for the recipe!
So welcome, Annie!
Question…
How much is in one serving of this dish (and others)? Only asking so that I can keep an eye out on my macros. Thanks!
We include all the info in the recipe card!
Very simple & delicious.. Thanks for the tips..
Great meal, make it all the time
Absolutely delicious!