EASY Air Fryer Chicken Thighs (Crispy + Juicy!!)

These incredibly easy air fryer chicken thighs are juicy and crispy with just the right amount of herbs and seasonings. This easy recipe works perfectly for bone-in or boneless chicken and skin-on or skinless.

These air fryer chicken thighs are seasoned to absolute perfection. Using your air fryer is a great way to get the crispiest skin and the juiciest chicken.

Air frying is the best way to cook the crispiest chicken thighs in less time and without deep frying. Coated with my simple homemade chicken seasoning, these flavorful chicken thighs not only make an easy dinner for busy weeknights that your whole family will love, but they’re perfect for healthy eating meal prep too.

The best thing about serving chicken is that it is also so versatile. Adding a delicious and creamy sauce like this white bbq sauce or Peruvian creamy green sauce can create an entirely new recipe.

And adding side dishes like Instant Pot Risotto or Sous Vide Asparagus makes it the perfect meal.

Tip: You can add halved brussels sprouts, broccoli, etc. at the halfway point and it will cook right along with your chicken.

Herbs and spices on a plate

Ingredients needed

  • Olive Oil
  • Chicken Thighs – Bone in or boneless, skin on or skinless (see tips below)
  • Kosher Salt
  • Oregano
  • Paprika
  • Black Pepper
  • Garlic Powder

Tip: To switch things up, try swapping in my Chicken Dry Rub, Italian Seasoning or Cajun Seasoning in place of the herbs called for in this recipe.

How to make air fryer chicken thighs

  • In a small bowl combine the salt and spices with oil to create a paste.
  • Coat raw chicken thighs with the seasoning mixture.
  • Place chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  • Cook your chicken thighs at 360-degrees for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees on a meat thermometer.
  • Cooking time will vary based on the thickness of your chicken thighs. If they are not fully cooked, return them to the air fryer and cook for 2-3 minutes longer.

For skin on chicken thighs

For skin on chicken thighs, after the cook time is up, increase the temperature to 400 degrees and cook skin side up for an additional 5 minutes to crisp up the skin.

How to make ahead & store

Store leftovers in an airtight container (these are my favorite!) in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It will also keep in the freezer for up to three months, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.

Recipe FAQs

At what temperature do you air fry chicken thighs?

360-degrees makes for deliciously moist and flavorful chicken in the air fryer.

How long should you cook chicken thighs in an air fryer?

Cook your chicken thighs at 360-degrees for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees on an instant read thermometer. Cooking time will vary based on the thickness of your chicken thighs.

How do you reheat chicken in the air fryer?

For best results, first let the chicken sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Then, preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees. Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for about four minutes, flipping halfway through.

Wine pairings

Sides for air fried chicken

Sauces for chicken thighs

Side view of air fryer chicken thighs on plate.

More air fryer recipes

More poultry recipes

Did you make these Air Fryer Chicken Thighs?

If you loved these crispy chicken thighs I would appreciate it so much if you would give the recipe a star review! Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.

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Side view of air fryer chicken thighs on plate.

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe

This air fryer recipe makes juicy and flavorful chicken thighs an absolute breeze.
4.99 from 92 votes
Print Pin
Servings: 4

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a small bowl combine the salt and spices with oil to create a paste. Coat chicken thighs with the paste.
  • Place in the air fryer basket and cook at 360-degrees for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165-degrees.
  • Can add halved brussels sprouts, broccoli, etc. at the halfway point.
  • For skin on chicken thighs, after the cook time is up, increase the temperature to 400 degrees and cook skin side up for an additional 5 minutes to crisp up the skin.

Notes

***If using Diamond Kosher Salt, increase the amount of salt used to 1 teaspoon to account for the fact that it has 50% less sodium than other salt brands
If you’d prefer to make chicken breasts, be sure to try out this air fryer chicken breasts recipe!
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!

Equipment

Nutrition

Calories: 284kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 111mg | Sodium: 669mg | Potassium: 258mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 343IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 1mg

Note: This recipe was adjusted in January 2023 to change the amount of salt in the recipe. Some readers commented that the chicken was too salty for them. This is due to the fact that I typically cook with Diamond Kosher Salt which is about 50% less salty than table or other salt (more on that here).

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46 thoughts on “EASY Air Fryer Chicken Thighs (Crispy + Juicy!!)”

    • Hi Lori – I’m so sorry, but I’ve never used an air fryer oven. I would think it would be the same, but the oven will probably need to be preheated for longer.

      Reply
  1. Hello,

    I want to try your recipe, but my air fryer will only fit 2 thighs, it has two sides. Can I still cook them at the same temperature and cook time or do I have to adjust?

    Thank you!

    Reply
    • 5 stars
      Hello, got a Air Fryer for Father’s Day and have been cooking non-stop since, tonight I’m trying your chicken thigh recipe as I’m writing this and so far the house is starting to smell good. Well dinner was served (wife & I) and it was a hit she loved it and is starting to understand why I have been wanting one for awhile. Thanks for sharing and have this one book marked. 🤘🏽

      Reply
  2. 5 stars
    Thank you for this recipe. Ours turned out great and was a big hit with my husband. I’m printing this one out to add to our go to recipes.

    Reply
  3. 5 stars
    Hello. I made this and my family loved it. If I want to make it for a larger group, I’ll need to adapt for a regular oven. How would I adjust the time and temp? Also I would use boneless/skinless.

    Reply
  4. 5 stars
    So easy so yummy! I made with sliced orange and red peppers on the side (added half way through – could have added 3/4 way through but it was still wonderful). I served with rice.
    Next time I will add slightly less salt but that’s a petdknal preference.

    Reply
  5. 5 stars
    I made this for dinner tonight and it was so good! The chicken was super tender, moist, and flavorful. My husband, who is a picky eater, asked me if I would be able to make it again, the same way. Wow! That is high compliments to your recipe. It really was delicious, and so easy. And cleanup is a breeze with the air fryer!

    Reply
    • Hi Susan – Most models call for preheating. When you set the temp, it will say “preheat” or something like that. It isn’t always necessary though, because air fryers heat up so quickly.

      Reply
  6. 5 stars
    This recipe is so delish! Super easy too, which I love. I added a pinch of red pepper flakes. It will become a regular for us. Thanks!

    Reply
  7. 5 stars
    5 star++ Outstanding recipe! What a delicious blend of spices, and such tender chicken thighs! This recipe is definitely going to be made weekly! Thank you for sharing such a gem!!

    Reply
  8. 5 stars
    This recipe has become my go to favourite. I make it all the time now and I’ve added it to my favourites Pin! Thanks for sharing. I do double the recipe, it’s so quick and easy and my husband loves it!

    Reply

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