Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
These Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are juicy on the inside with crispy, crunchy skin on the outside. A total game changer. Thanks to the marinade, they’re packed with flavor and it’s ready in 30 minutes.
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
You guys know I love my air fryer since I’ve been experimenting and posting more air fryer recipes on the site lately, from air fryer chicken leg quarters to a whole rotisserie-style air fryer chicken. I love how you get that crispy texture without frying or turning on the oven, and with way less fat. These chicken thighs are low carb and keto friendly too, which honestly is my biggest reason for making air fryer recipes in general.
This one is also a breeze to make in less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Just marinate, pop the chicken thighs in the air fryer, and start the timer. A handful of pantry staples, a little time and you got chicken with a big bold flavors. If you love simple and fast like this, you’ll also want to bookmark my air fryer chicken drumsticks, air fryer chicken breast without breading and air fryer BBQ chicken thighs for more weeknight wins.
I use a homemade spice and seasoning mix plus one extra ingredient to take these chicken thighs from good to “wait, what did you put in this.”
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken thighs – Skin on and bone-in for the juiciest results. Washing the chicken is optional (I personally do), but either way, pat it completely dry before seasoning. This helps the skin crisp up properly in the air fryer.
- Mayonnaise – My secret weapon for any roasted or grilled chicken. Instead of relying on oil alone, mayo adds extra flavor and fat, which means juicier meat and better browning.
How To Cook Chicken Thighs In The Air Fryer
Combine all the ingredients for the marinade in a small bowl.
Place the chicken thighs in a zip lock bag or large bowl and add the marinade. Massage the chicken pieces to get the marinade into every nook and corner. I like to marinate for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to develop.
Place the chicken on a single layer on the air fryer basket. Do not over crowd the basket. I use a 5.8 qrt. air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer you may have to cook the chicken in batches.
Air fry at 400 degree Fahrenheit for 20 minutes and flip the chicken and fry for another 5 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken is more than 165F and use a meat thermometer to check the internal temp. I like to roast it until 180F degrees so there won’t be any blood spots near the bone. Chicken thighs won’t dry out because they got plenty of fat.
Serve warm with sides like Air Fryer Broccoli, Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts, Skillet Green Beans or Cauliflower Rice.
Recipe Tips
- Pat the chicken dry to remove excess moisture to crisp up the skin.
- Turn the chicken over after 20 minutes to crisp up the other side too.
- Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in the fridge.
Frozen Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
To cook chicken thighs from frozen in the air fryer, rub the marinade all over and proceed with the recipe. You might need to cook for an extra 5 to 8 minutes.
The chicken thighs can be seasoned and frozen too. They would stay in the freezer for 3 months. When you want to cook, proceed with the recipe and increase the cooking time.
Air Fryer Chicken Recipes You’ll Love
- Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma
- Air Fryer Chicken Kebabs
- Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (No Breading)
DID YOU MAKE IT? Please leave a comment and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe!
Recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb chicken thighs about 6 pieces, skin on, bone in
- 2 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
Instructions
- Pat dry the chicken and keep it aside. In a small bowl, whisk the rest of the ingredients until combined.
- Rub the chicken with the marinade until well coated. You can air fry immediately but I suggest marinating for at least 30 minutes.
- Place the chicken thighs on the air fry basket in a single layer.
- Air fry them at 400°F for 20 minutes, until golden. Turn the chicken over and air fry for 5 more minutes if needed.
- Serve warm with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Pat dry the chicken to remove extra moisture and to make it crispy.
- You can marinate the chicken and leave it in the fridge, covered, for 24 hours.
- If you are using boneless, skin less chicken thighs cook them for 7 to 12 minutes.
- Leftover chicken thighs can be stored in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. Reheat on a low heat in the air fryer until heated through.
Nutrition
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So quick and easy and amazingly delicious!! My husband said it’s the best chicken he’s ever had!!!
Hi Heather, I’m so glad to hear that! Thanks for the feedback. 🙂
Sounds great! I have a large air fryer with two wire shelves. I have been using flour with cornstarch and baking powder, and then spraying with cooking spray. Works great, but this sounds much simpler and less messy. I will definitely try it.
Thank you! yes, this is much simpler.
Daniel Weaver
How did the Chicken Thighs turn out?
I agree it sounds Delicious 🤤