Easy Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Juicy chicken thighs with shatteringly crispy skin made effortless in the air fryer. Simple pantry spices, minimal prep, and ready in about 30 minutes.
Rate This Yum
Pin This Recipe For Later!
Share The Yum On Facebook
Print
Servings:
Calories: 120kcal
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pound bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon baking powder helps crisp the skin
- 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped optional, for garnish
- 1 lemon lemon, cut into wedges for serving
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Pat chicken thighs very dry with paper towels. Trim excess skin if needed.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and baking powder. Add cayenne if using.
- Toss chicken with olive oil, then sprinkle the spice mix evenly on all sides to coat.
- Arrange thighs in a single layer in the basket, skin side down, leaving space between pieces.
- Air fry at 400°F for 12 minutes. Flip skin side up and cook 10 to 12 minutes more, until the skin is crisp and the thickest part reaches 175°F.
- Rest 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches for best crispiness. For boneless, skinless thighs: air fry at 380°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway, until 170°F. Seasoning swaps: use smoked paprika, lemon pepper, or your favorite chicken seasoning.