Easy and Delicious Chicken Thigh Air Fryer Recipe – Crispy

A Chicken Thigh Air Fryer Recipe is a simple, flavorful way to prepare juicy, crispy chicken thighs in no time. The air fryer is the perfect tool for cooking chicken thighs, ensuring a crispy exterior while keeping the meat tender and moist on the inside. To start, season the chicken thighs with your favorite spices, such as garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C), then place the seasoned thighs in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded for even cooking. Air fry the chicken for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through to achieve a golden, crispy finish. This recipe is versatile, and you can customize the seasoning to suit your taste. Serve with a side of vegetables or rice for a complete meal. The Chicken Thigh Air Fryer Recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend treat.

Easy and Delicious Chicken Thigh Air Fryer Recipe – Crispy & Juicy

Chicken thighs are a flavorful, juicy, and versatile cut of meat that can be cooked in various ways. If you’re looking for a quicker and healthier option than traditional frying or baking, the air fryer is the perfect solution. This Chicken Thigh Air Fryer recipe yields crispy, tender, and delicious thighs with minimal oil and effort. The air fryer’s hot circulating air crisps the skin while keeping the meat inside moist and tender, making it a great alternative to deep frying or pan frying.

In this recipe, we will guide you through the process of preparing, seasoning, and cooking chicken thighs in your air fryer for the perfect meal. This easy, hands-off approach ensures that your chicken is not only cooked to perfection but also much healthier than traditional frying methods.

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Ingredients

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a spicy kick)

Optional for Serving:

• Fresh herbs (such as parsley or cilantro)
• Lemon wedges

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Nutrition

This Chicken Thigh Air Fryer recipe is both flavorful and nutritious. The chicken thighs provide a great source of protein, iron, and essential vitamins like B12. The skin also offers some healthy fats, especially when prepared with a small amount of oil.

Per serving (1 chicken thigh):

• Calories: 250-300
• Protein: 20-25g
• Fat: 18-20g
• Carbs: 1-2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sodium: 500-600mg

Note: The exact nutritional values can vary depending on the size of the chicken thighs and the specific brands of ingredients used.

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Prep Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
  This is the time you’ll spend seasoning the chicken and preparing it for the air fryer.

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Active Time

• Active Time: 25 minutes
  The active time refers to how long the chicken will be in the air fryer cooking, including flipping halfway through for even crispiness.

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Resting Time

• Resting Time: 5 minutes
  After cooking, it’s essential to let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it even more tender and flavorful.

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Total Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
  This includes both prep time, cooking time, and resting time.

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Cuisines

• American
• Comfort Food
• Healthy

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Course

• Main Course
• Dinner

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Servings

• Servings: 4 (one chicken thigh per person)

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Equipment

• Air Fryer (any model)
• Tongs (for flipping chicken)
• Basting brush (optional, for oil)
• Meat thermometer (optional, for checking internal temperature)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Thighs
   Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. This step helps achieve a crispy skin during cooking. If your chicken thighs are frozen, make sure they are fully thawed before preparing.
2. Season the Chicken
   Drizzle olive oil over the chicken thighs and use your hands or a brush to coat the meat evenly. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, thyme, and cayenne pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mix generously over the chicken thighs, making sure to coat both sides for maximum flavor.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer
   Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating is essential to ensure the chicken thighs cook evenly and get that perfect crispy exterior.
4. Cook the Chicken Thighs
   Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure there’s a little space between the thighs for the air to circulate. Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking on both sides. The chicken should be golden and crispy on the outside.
5. Check the Internal Temperature
   To ensure the chicken is cooked through, check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer. The ideal temperature for cooked chicken thighs is 165°F (75°C).
6. Rest the Chicken
   Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute within the meat, keeping it moist and tender.
7. Serve
   Serve the crispy, juicy chicken thighs with your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad. Garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice for added flavor.

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Tips for Perfect Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer

• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: To ensure the chicken thighs cook evenly and get crispy, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
• Flip Halfway: Flip the chicken thighs halfway through cooking for an evenly crispy result.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: If you’re unsure whether the chicken is fully cooked, a meat thermometer is a reliable way to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
• Add More Flavor: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings. You can add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme or try different spice blends like lemon pepper or Cajun seasoning for extra flavor.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: You can make this recipe with boneless, skinless chicken thighs, but note that they will cook faster—around 15-18 minutes at the same temperature.
• Spicy Chicken: If you like spice, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add some chili powder or hot sauce to the seasoning mix.
• Herb Infused: For an herb-infused version, mix fresh chopped herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano into the seasoning blend or under the skin of the chicken thighs.

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Conclusion

This Chicken Thigh Air Fryer recipe is an easy and quick way to prepare a delicious and healthy meal. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, this recipe yields tender and crispy chicken every time. With minimal prep and cook time, you can enjoy a flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The air fryer offers a fantastic way to achieve crispy skin without the need for excessive oil, making this a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods.

Serve your chicken thighs with your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal that everyone will love. Don’t forget to experiment with different seasonings and flavors to make it your own!