Description
Crispy, juicy, and fast air fryer chicken thighs seasoned with a blend of smoked paprika, thyme, and garlic powder. Perfectly cooked in under 20 minutes, this recipe delivers tender chicken with a crunchy skin using a simple and healthy air frying method.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 lb Bone-in chicken thighs (or boneless chicken thighs)
Seasoning and Oil
- 2 tbsp Avocado oil (or olive oil)
- 1 tsp Sea salt
- 1 tsp Dried thyme
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp Onion powder
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C) to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for crisping the chicken skin.
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs into a large bowl and thoroughly pat them dry with paper towels. This step is essential for achieving a crispy exterior. Drizzle the chicken with avocado oil and toss to coat evenly.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the sea salt, dried thyme, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper over the chicken. Mix well to ensure each piece is fully coated with the flavorful seasoning blend.
- Arrange in Air Fryer Basket: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Arrange them so they barely touch or do not touch at all to allow proper air circulation. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid crowding.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Cook bone-in chicken thighs for 15-20 minutes, flipping them after 10 minutes to ensure even cooking. The internal temperature should reach at least 170 degrees F for safety and juiciness. For boneless thighs, cook for 12-14 minutes. Cooking times may vary based on your air fryer model.
- Rest before Serving: Remove the cooked chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy when served.
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry is key for crispy skin.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked to at least 170°F.
- Boneless thighs cook faster; adjust timing accordingly.
- Resting chicken after cooking improves juiciness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken thighs, quick chicken recipe, juicy chicken, air fryer recipe, bone-in chicken thighs, boneless chicken thighs
