Description

This recipe for air fryer chicken thighs delivers juicy, flavorful meat with irresistibly crispy skin. A simple spice rub featuring paprika, mixed herbs, and garlic granules seasoning the bone-in chicken thighs, which are then cooked effortlessly in an air fryer. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or anytime you want delicious, healthy poultry with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale

Spice Mix

1 tsp paprika
½ tsp mixed herbs
½ tsp garlic granules (optional)
½ tsp salt
½ tsp ground black pepper

Chicken

4 bone-in chicken thighs
1 tsp olive oil

Instructions

Prepare the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine the paprika, mixed herbs, garlic granules (if using), salt, and ground black pepper. Mix well to create a uniform spice blend.
Season the Chicken Thighs: Rub each chicken thigh evenly with the olive oil. Then, coat the thighs thoroughly in the prepared spice rub by scattering the mixture on a plate and pressing the chicken onto it to cover all sides.
Initial Cooking – Skin Side Down: Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down into the basket of your air fryer. Cook at the air fryer’s recommended temperature (commonly around 180°C or 360°F) for 10 minutes. This helps render the fat and begin crisping the skin.
Flip and Finish Cooking: After 10 minutes, turn the chicken thighs over so they are skin-side up, then continue cooking the chicken for 10 to 15 more minutes until the meat is cooked through and the skin is crispy.
Check for Doneness: To ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked, pierce the thickest part of a thigh with a knife or skewer; the juices should run clear with no traces of pink.
Serve Immediately: Remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer immediately after cooking to prevent the skin from softening. Serve hot for best texture and flavor.

Notes

Adjust cooking time based on the size and thickness of the thighs to ensure thorough cooking.
If you don’t have mixed herbs, a combination of dried thyme, oregano, and rosemary works well.
For extra crispy skin, you may pat the chicken dry with paper towels before oiling and seasoning.
Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated, but skin crispiness may reduce.
Using bone-in thighs helps keep the meat tender and juicy during cooking.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken thighs, easy chicken recipe, healthy chicken, weeknight dinner