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Perfectly crispy and juicy air fryer chicken thighs with herbs

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

A healthier and faster way to achieve perfectly juicy chicken thighs with incredibly crispy skin using your air fryer.

  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1–2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, lemon zest for brightness

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the chicken. Pat the chicken thighs thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is crucial for crispy skin. Trim any excess fat from the thighs.
Step 2: Season the chicken. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture evenly all over the chicken thighs, ensuring the skin is well coated.
Step 3: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
Step 4: Arrange chicken thighs. Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, skin-side up. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even air circulation.
Step 5: Air fry. Cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through (around the 12-15 minute mark), until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) with a meat thermometer and the skin is golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Rest and serve. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest on a plate for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.

Notes

For even crispier skin, ensure chicken is very dry before seasoning. A pinch of baking powder in the spice rub is a game-changer for crunch. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Reduced-Fat

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 thigh
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 3g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken skin, chicken recipe, easy air fryer, healthy chicken

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