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Easy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs photo

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

This Air Fryer Chicken Thighs recipe is a weeknight superstar! Juicy, crispy, and full of flavor!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (approximately 2-2½ pounds)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¾ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)

Instructions

Directions:

  • Step 1: Prepare the Chicken - Start by rinsing the chicken thighs under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy skin.
  • Step 2: Make the Marinade - In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the spices are well mixed.
  • Step 3: Coat the Chicken - Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and use your hands or a cooking brush to thoroughly coat each piece with the marinade. Make sure to get some of the spice mixture under the skin for maximum flavor.
  • Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer - Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps to create that crispy outer layer when the chicken is placed inside.
  • Step 5: Cook the Chicken - Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin side up. Cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Step 6: Garnish and Serve - Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and serve hot. Enjoy them as they are or use them in another dish, like BBQ Chicken Bacon Pasta for a fun twist!

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Meat Thermometer
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Cooking Brush

Notes

  • For a different flavor, swap olive oil with avocado oil or melted coconut oil.
  • Experiment with other spice blends like Cajun or Moroccan.
  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer; cook in batches for optimal crispiness.