Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Looking for easy weeknight dinner ideas? Try this air fryer chicken thighs recipe. With quick preparation and only 7 basic ingredients, this is the perfect dinner for busy families.
This air fryer chicken thighs recipe is one of the easiest ways to prepare a delicious weeknight dinner without having to be standing by the stove for ages. Serve these juicy chicken thighs with anything you like.
I have included some easy side recipes in the FAQs section, in case you need some inspiration.
How to make chicken thighs in air fryer
You will need:
- Chicken thighs – bone-in, skinless (or skin-on)
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika
- Ginger
- Garlic powder
- Oil in spray – this is not needed with skin-on thighs
Equipment and tools:
- Air fryer
- Small bowl & dessert spoon (or fork, knife…) – for mixing the spice rub
There are barely 3 steps to this recipe. First, mix all the seasoning in a small bowl. Then, coat each piece of chicken evenly with the mix (both sides). You should use all the seasoning for 4 thighs.
Air fryer chicken thighs are then cooked for 15-20 minutes. I also spray them with oil and turn them over halfway through the cooking time. The best temperature is 400°F (200°C).
If you are not sure that your airfryer chicken thighs are done (or any air fryer chicken recipes), I recommend using a food thermometer. Stick it in and if it reads 165°F (75°C) you can take them out and serve.
Can you stack chicken thighs in an air fryer?
Unfortunately, you can’t. The important thing to remember when cooking in an air fryer is that the food you put in should have room around it so that the air can circulate and cook it evenly.
For this reason, you might need to cook your dinner/snack or appetizers in 2 or more batches when you have a large crowd to feed.
A 5.8-quart (5.5-liter) air fryer is able to cook 4-5 chicken thighs (when making these chicken thighs in air fryer I used 4 pieces but, could have fitted one more) or 3-4 chicken breasts, depending on their size.
Frequently asked questions:
Cooking time will depend on the type of your air fryer as well as chicken thighs (larger will take longer than smaller). Count with about 20 minutes (if you want to have a crispy skin, cook for longer).
That depends. You don’t need to flip if it has skin on (make sure to cook it skin-side up) but if it doesn’t, then I do recommend turning it over around half-way through the cooking process.
I like serving these air fryer chicken thighs with wedge salad and parmesan roasted potatoes.
But you can serve them with anything you like: rice, orzo salad, barley risotto,…
Expert tips
- Like I’ve already mentioned, it’s important that the air fryer is not overcrowded with food so it can cook evenly.
- I always pre-heat my air-fryer for 2 minutes by setting the time and temperature manually. You may have a model that does the preheating by pressing a button or maybe it’s not required. Always read the manual for the best cooking results.
- Seasoning – this is a simple recipe for air fryer chicken thighs using only a few ingredients. For this reason, I do not recommend omitting any of the ingredients.
If you are looking for air fryer dessert recipes, I have two for you: hand pies and cinnamon rolls.
I also like ham & jalapeno air fryer pinwheels that are made with puff pastry so if you are planning on entertaining at home, you could give it a go. We love those!
More chicken recipes you might like:
- Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs
- Sticky Hoisin Chicken Wings
- Instant Pot Chicken Chasseur
- Crispy Chicken Tenders
- Chicken Paprikash
Watch how to make it
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- 4 chicken thighs , skinless, bone-in, see note 3
- oil in spray
Recommended Products
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika and ginger. Rub this onto each chicken thigh on both sides.
- Place the chicken thighs into a pre-heated air fryer, spray with cooking oil and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes, then turn them over and cook for a further 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Serve with a side of your choice.
Video
Notes
- This recipe was developed for a 5.8 quart (5.5 liter) air fryer.
- Always make sure the chicken is cooked through (the food thermometer has to read 165°F/75°C) and always check the thickest piece.
- I used 4 chicken thighs that weighed 1.5 pounds (680 grams) in total.
- The cooking time may vary slightly. This will depend on the size of the thighs as well as on the air fryer (different brands may have slightly different cooking times).
- For more information on this recipe as well as tips about air fryers or if in doubt, I recommend reading the full post.
I cannot believe how easy and delicious this was!! Took the skin off bone in chicken thighs 2 lbs/4 thighs… just like you said, minus the oil… used seasoning. Preheated the air fryer (best purchase of my life!) x 2 min @ 350. Both sides seasoned… 10 min, flipped, 6 minutes more… they’re GONE! Lil’ side salad, fat free dressing, and some garlic mashed potatoes-YUM-trelicious!!! Thank you for perfecting this. We work so hard and to be able to make a hot, HEALTHY, delicious & nutritious meal in minutes is amazing. They didn’t last long enough for a pic. Sorry. Maybe next time.
Thanks so much for your detailed feedback, Ellie. It always helps readers to decide whether to make a recipe or not. Thanks again :)
WOW!! We just our air fryer last week and this was my first chicken meal. Followed the recipe line by line and this may have been the juiciest, tastiest chicken I’ve had in a while. Everyone went crazy over it!
I am so happy to hear that, Tony. Thanks so much for your feedback and happy air frying! :)
Delicious!!!
Thanks for your feedback, Den.
The chicken thighs were wonderful. Crispy on the outside and the seasoning added great flavor. Will definitely make this again.
Thank you so much for your feedback, Renae!
I made it and it was crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside and had a delicious flavor. It will be my go-to recipe for thighs. I might even try it on legs and wings
That’s great to hear, Catole! Thanks for your feedback.
Do I spray the oil directly on the chicken before turning it?
You don’t have to do it anymore, Amber. You can also just spray the bottom of the air fryer at the beginning and that should be enough. Hope this helps!
These were great, and so simple! I used smoked paprika. Thanks for a keeper!
You are welcome, Belinda and thanks so much for your feedback and rating.
This came out really good. We added some steamed veggies (mixed) and had a really nice meal together. We’ve been trying out the Instantpot for air frying and the chicken was not only cooked through, it was moist, well braised, and had an excellent mouth feel.
My only adjustment is that next time I will use less salt in the recipe. We don’t usually add salt to food and this really was more than we really want, so next time, I’ll use 1/2 TSP instead.
Hi Rick. Thank you so much for your feedback!
This was so good
Can I leave the skin on for extra crispyness?
Yes, you can :)
Great recipe! We really enjoyed it!
Thanks for the feedback, Missy! :)
I used boneless skinless chicken thighs and it turned out wonderfully. My husband and daughter ate so much I didn’t have leftovers. Can’t wait to try something else in my Air Fryer
That’s great to hear Liz. Thanks so much for finding time to write the feedback!
This was AMAZING! Even my husband who doesn’t like chicken was a fan!
That’s amazing! Thanks so much for your feedback, Noel!
Tried the recipe and was a hit. How did you get it crispy? I can never get chicken to crisp. Thanks!
Hi Traci, the photos you see are exactly what it looked like after cooking. These kind of things don’t get crispy easily unless you leave them in the air-fryer for a very long time which in this case might cause the chicken go dry. I noticed some people like to use broiler after but I’ve never tried with these kind of recipes. In general, when you cook breaded chicken in there and spray it with oil, it will get crispy but it will never be like from a deep-fryer. Hope this helps.
Color is so great n air fried chicken do seems amazing
Thanks, Gari!
I love a nice extra crispy “fried” chicken. This recipe looks great, and I need to make it!
That’s good to hear!
The thighs cooked to perfection in 20 min. Each side. I followed the recipe with 3 TBS veg. oil, g powder, lo salt lowreys,
Thanks so for your feedback, Deb!
I really need to get an airfryer! This chicken looks so good, we eat chicken pretty much everyday in my house :)
You really do! :)
This recipe for air fryer chicken thighs looks and sounds amazing. The breading looks so crunchy and I love a good crunchy breading. Will come back to let you know ow it turned out.
Thanks Heidy!
This chicken looks so crispy and delicious! Love the spice mix you used here
Thank you, Sylvie!
These look fantastic! I keep hearing such great things about these air fryers. I really need to get one.
Thanks, Demeter! :)