Using an Air Fryer, Prepare Chicken Thighs

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2024-12-25 21:30 PM

In order to prepare the best crispy air fryer chicken thighs, this recipe for air fryer chicken thighs is not only simple and quick, but it also requires only five minutes of preparation time. The tasty chicken thighs are prepared with a minimal amount of seasonings, and they are cooked in an air fryer. The chicken thighs come out crispy on the outside and extremely juicy on the inside.

The Bone-In Chicken Thighs Cooked in an Air Fryer

Using this technique, chicken thighs cooked in just 5 minutes of prep time are not only simple to prepare but also consistently provide a texture that is both crispy and moist. The bone contributes a great deal of flavor, and when combined with a few straightforward spices and a little amount of time spent in the kitchen, you can make a delectable chicken dinner for your family anytime during the week.

When compared to chicken breasts, chicken thighs are not only more affordable, but they also have a more robust flavor, and the skin, which has been expertly spiced, tastes incredible. If you want to reduce the number of calories you consume, you can also enjoy them without the skin, but the skin that has been seasoned is so delicious!!!

Whether it's our beautiful roasted potatoes, our quick true Greek potatoes, or our cheese mashed potatoes, we absolutely adore chicken thighs served with these sides.

I am finding that I am utilizing the air fryer more and more because it consumes less oil compared to frying and is truly very simple to use in order to achieve precisely browned chicken every time.

You may also like to try my crockpot BBQ chicken thighs, oven-baked chicken thighs, or quick, flawless air fryer fried chicken. They are all straightforward methods to feed your family a wonderful chicken dinner.

Why you’ll enjoy this recipe

Easy air fryer chicken thighs
Just 5 minutes of prep time
Ingredients that add so much flavor
Perfect chicken meal on any hectic night
Budget-friendly chicken recipe

Ingredients

Chicken Thighs—4 bone-in, skin-on, fresh chicken thighs, since the bones help create structure and so much taste, while the skin is properly seasoned and tasty
Olive oil provides flavor that helps to coat the skin to produce that crispy texture and also bonds the seasoning to the chicken.
Italian seasoning contains a variety of fragrant herbs and spices that create a balanced mix of flavors. It is an easy, convenient way to season and enhance the overall taste of your chicken thighs.
Smoked Paprika—adds a slight heat and distinct smoky taste along with a deep, rich color to your spice combination.
Onion powder is an easy way to acquire a uniform distribution of onion flavoring for greater flavor.
Garlic Powder—A simple, convenient way to get garlic flavor instead of using fresh garlic
Lemon—adds a bright and tangy ingredient to help balance the flavors.
Salt—sea salt increases the flavor and texture, which helps to season the chicken.
Pepper—fresh black pepper offers a distinctive, powerful flavor that enriches the overall flavor of this recipe.

Substitutions

You can use any of your favorite spices in this chicken thighs recipe.

Substitute Italian seasoning by using a mix of oregano, thyme, basil, and rosemary. Smoked paprika can be substituted for normal paprika.

Can I create air fryer boneless chicken thighs?

Yes, you can! Use this recipe to prepare boneless chicken thighs with skin on in the air fryer. When using boneless chicken thighs, you will need to shorten the cooking time.

Step-by-step directions for how to cook chicken thighs in an air fryer

You’ll also want to start with the skin side down and then flip halfway through cooking. The skin side will crisp up during the second part of cooking.

STEP ONE—Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F (or 204 degrees C).

STEP TWO: In a small bowl, add the salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, and smoked paprika. Using a fork or a whisk, stir to integrate them all. Set aside.

STEP THREE—Prepare the chicken thighs by patting them dry and cutting off any excess fat and skin.

STEP FOUR: Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl.

STEP FIVE—Drizzle the oil over the top of the chicken thighs, along with the lemon zest and juice.

Variations

One of the best things about chicken thigh dishes is how easy it is to change up the spices and tastes you want to enjoy with them.

Air fryer BBQ chicken thighs using my fantastic semi-homemade BBQ sauce in my slow cooker chicken thighs recipe.

You can also make air fryer chicken thighs breaded by using Panko or a teriyaki air fryer chicken thigh with soy sauce and a honey garlic air fryer chicken thigh using my sauce from my honey garlic pork chops.

What to serve with air fryer chicken thighs?

We enjoy chicken thighs with salads and uncomplicated side dishes. Here are some of our favorites.

Kale Salad
Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes
Parmesan French Fries
Paula Deen’s Green Bean Casserole
Broccoli Cheese and Rice Casserole
Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
Easy Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Best Twice-Baked Potatoes
Crispy Air Fryer Tater Tots
Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole

Top techniques for producing the greatest air fryer chicken thighs

All air fryers cook a little differently; thus, it is best to know your air fryer and alter frying times or observe closely.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket, as you will want space in between each chicken thigh so the air flows and cooks your chicken thighs evenly.
Using comparably sized chicken thighs will assist the chicken in cooking and being done at the same time.
You can use parchment paper liners that fit your air fryer for faster cleanup and less sticking.
Make sure that the internal cooking temperature of the chicken thighs hits 165°F (or 74°C); using a thermometer, insert it at the thickest portion of the thigh (without hitting the bone) for safe consumption.

How long does it take to cook chicken thighs in the air fryer?

It takes roughly 20 minutes depending on the size of the chicken.

Why are my chicken thighs not crispy?

If your chicken thigh does not come out crispy, you may have overrun the air fryer basket. You’ll want to make sure there is enough gap in between each chicken thigh for the best results.

How to reheat chicken thighs the 3 best ways?

Reheating chicken thighs in an air fryer

To reheat the chicken in the air fryer, place the chicken in the air fryer basket and air fry at 350°F for around 7 to 8 minutes. Check the temperature to make sure that the chicken has warmed throughout.