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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 weeknight dinners, and my air fryer chicken thighs are always a winner. Because they are darker meat, they are naturally more flavorful and juicy, so I don’t need many seasonings to make them shine. Also, using the air fryer creates that gorgeous golden and crispy skin, while trapping all the juices on the inside.
Table of Contents
Why I love this 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.
If you love cooking chicken in the air fryer, try my air fryer chicken drumsticks, air fryer chicken tenderloins, air fryer chicken breast, and air fryer whole chicken next.
★★★★★ REVIEW
“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
Ingredients needed
- 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
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
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. Ready-to-eat chicken needs to have an internal temperature of 165F.
- Always pat the chicken dry before seasoning it. This guarantees a crispy exterior and keeps all the juices inside.
- Season under the skin. I recommend rubbing the seasoning right under the skin for maximum flavor.
- 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.
Storage instructions
To Store: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to five days.
To Freeze: Place the cooked and cooled chicken in a ziplock bag and freeze it for up to three months.
Reheating: Thaw the frozen chicken overnight before reheating in the air fryer, oven, or even microwave.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, and increase the cooking time by 3-4 minutes. There is no need to thaw the meat, but I’d suggest spraying it with cooking spray or rubbing some oil on it to help the seasonings stick.
Technically, no. I tested this recipe using skinless chicken thighs, and it worked well without the crispy skin.
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.
More air fryer recipes
- Air fryer fried chicken
- Air fryer chicken parmesan
- Air fryer BBQ chicken
- Air fryer frozen chicken wings
- Air fryer chicken cutlets
If you tried this Air Fryer Chicken Thighs recipe or any other recipe on The Big Man’s World, please rate the recipe and let me know how it went in the comments below. It really helps others thinking of making the recipe.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Video
Ingredients
- 4 large chicken thighs skin-on fillets
- 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 190C/375F.
- 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 165F. Be sure to flip halfway through.
- Remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them sit for five minutes before serving.
Notes
- Add a spicy kick by adding some red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, and chili powder.
- Marinate it. Rub some eel sauce, katsu sauce, or even some bulgogi sauce for a fun Asian twist.
Nutrition
Originally published April 2022, updated May 2025
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!
Your recipe is nice and simple. It is easy to follow and really delicious. Regretting that it is only now that Ive seen your post. Thanks. I’ll try most of your recipe. Especially the chicken recipe.
🙂 aw, glad to have you here, Susana!
These air fryer chicken thighs are SO juicy and tender!
Okay, I just made these and they are sensational!!! The chicken is super juicy and the skin is CRISPY!!!!
These were AMAZING!!!!
Wow! This was so good! The chicken was really juicy. The best I have had honestly. Thanks for the recipe Arman!
Can I also put garlic powder on it? I really like the taste so I think it would be good.
Delicious! Everyone wished I had had more chickens to cook. Really crispy and moist just as you described. Only change I needed was to use the oven (400* until chicken was 165*). Thanks for this recipe plus all the tips you’ve shared.
Excellent
The best air fryer chicken thighs recipe ever!
Andrew didn’t see video available
Fabulous yummy.
Super juicy and flavorful!
Just made the Air Fryer Chicken Thighs for dinner and they were really delicious! I used the spices listed, though the garlic was a roasted garlic which I highly recommend. My husband liked them as well. It was only the second time using my air fryer so i was very happy it turned out a success!
I have made this recipe a number of 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!
I like my meat crispy.
Are they juicy and how much does an air fryer cost?
So juicy and delicious. Very affordable, under $100
supper tender and juicy
Easy to make!
This recipe was a HIT!! What I really like about your recipes is #1; they’re simple…#2; you give great cooking instructions. I tend to overcook chicken and pork. By FINALLY pulling out my thermometer and testing the temp (according to size of meat, which you gave instruction on), I’m not overcooking food. I’ve cooked several of your recipes and they have ALL been a rotation in my meal planning. My husband gives your recipes a thumbs up! Stay inspired and keep on cooking!
These are SO Good!! and a very easy recipe! We enjoyed them with a multi vegtable side dish.
The skin was so crispy!
These are delicious
I can eat them on a daily basis
Yummy
Delicious as always but I had to cook mine much longer.
I love the air fryer chicken thighs. I’m making them today. I do mine with no oil and use Spike for the seasoning. I don’t use the basket, using only the tray. Fry for seven minutes on one side, flip for another 7 minutes. Then I flip again for 2 minutes so I get an extra crispy skin!! Love them so much❤️❤️
that looks good, i have never used an air fryer before
this is really good.
Mine took longer to cook. came out so crispy…loved it and I have a ninja air fryer
Juicy chicken! Quick and easy to make.
Will try this. Thanks
I don’t have an air fryer. Can this be done in conventional oven? Is there a general rule on converting air fryer to conventional oven?
I made these air fryer thighs more than once, and it’s now my favourite way to cook chicken thighs! It was delicious and so easy to make. Thank you.
This is the BEST air fryer chicken thighs recipe ever. It’s super juicy and crispy and cooks up so fast!!! My go-to air fryer recipe.
My air fryer doesn’t have 375 setting. What temp do I cook at? 370 or 380?
Hi! Yes, do 370 and preheat it beforehand 🙂
Fantastic flavor! But my 4 pcs of bone-in chicken thighs took at least 26 minutes in the air fryer at 400 degrees to be fully cooked. Will definitely do again!!
Hi Carrie- Oh wowza that is super long- Which air fryer are you using? I’ll trouble shoot for you!
Followed this for perfectly air fried chicken thighs! Love the option to add some red pepper flakes for a bit of spice here