Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Air fryer chicken thighs come out with crisp, golden skin and juicy meat in less time than the oven. Starting them skin side down renders the fat, and finishing skin side up crisps the skin in the circulating hot air. A rub of garlic, paprika, dried herbs and lemon zest is all the seasoning they need.
By Priya Raman
Published
- Prep Time
- 5 mins
- Cook Time
- 25 mins
- Total Time
- 30 mins
- Servings
- 4 servings
How do you make Air Fryer Chicken Thighs?
Pat 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs dry and rub them with 1 tsp oil, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, lemon zest, salt and pepper. Air fry at 190°C (375°F) skin side down for 12 minutes, flip and cook skin side up for 10-13 minutes more, until the skin is crisp and the thickest part reads at least 74°C (165°F).
- Total time
- 30 mins
- Calories
- 290 per serving
- Protein
- 28 g
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Method
- Air frying
Ingredients
Chicken
Seasoning
Equipment
Air fryer (5 litres or larger) · Paper towels · Tongs · Instant-read thermometer
Quick Directions
Heat the air fryer
Heat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for 3-5 minutes, or as your model recommends.
Season the thighs
Pat the thighs very dry with paper towels.
Air fry skin side down
Place the thighs in the basket skin side down in a single layer, with a little space between them.
Flip and crisp the skin
Turn the thighs skin side up with tongs and air fry for 10-13 minutes more, until the skin is deep golden and crisp.
Rest and serve
Rest the thighs for 5 minutes, then serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to make the perfect air fryer chicken thighs.
Heat the air fryer
Heat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for 3-5 minutes, or as your model recommends.
Season the thighs
Pat the thighs very dry with paper towels. Mix the garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, lemon zest, salt and pepper. Rub the thighs with the oil, then season them all over, pushing a little of the rub under the skin.
Air fry skin side down
Place the thighs in the basket skin side down in a single layer, with a little space between them. Cook in two batches if they don't fit. Air fry for 12 minutes.
Flip and crisp the skin
Turn the thighs skin side up with tongs and air fry for 10-13 minutes more, until the skin is deep golden and crisp. The thickest part, not touching the bone, must read at least 74°C (165°F). Thighs are juiciest at 80-85°C (175-185°F), so a couple of extra minutes won't hurt.
Rest and serve
Rest the thighs for 5 minutes, then serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over.
Recipe Tips
- Keep the thighs in a single layer without touching. Overlapping pieces steam and the skin stays soft.
- Thigh sizes vary a lot. Check the largest one with a thermometer rather than relying on time alone.
- If you cook a second batch, pour off the rendered fat from the bottom of the air fryer first so it doesn't smoke.
Variations
- Boneless, skinless thighs: air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 14-18 minutes, flipping halfway, until they reach 74°C (165°F).
- Honey garlic: in the last 2 minutes, brush the skin with 2 tbsp honey mixed with 1 tbsp soy sauce and 1 grated garlic clove. Use tamari to keep it gluten-free.
- Cajun: replace the seasoning with 2 tsp Cajun seasoning and 1/2 tsp salt, and skip the lemon zest.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories | 290 |
|---|---|
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbs | 1 g |
| Fat | 19 g |
| Saturated fat | 5 g |
| Fibre | 0.3 g |
| Sugar | 0.2 g |
| Sodium | 530 mg |
Estimated from the listed ingredients; values vary by brand.
Related Recipes
Storing & Reheating
- Fridge
- Refrigerate within 2 hours in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer
- Freeze cooked thighs for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat
- Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes, until hot to 74°C (165°F) and the skin crisps again.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs FAQs
How long do you cook bone-in chicken thighs in an air fryer?
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs take 22-25 minutes at 190°C (375°F): about 12 minutes skin side down, then 10-13 minutes skin side up. They are done when the thickest part reads at least 74°C (165°F).
How long do boneless chicken thighs take in the air fryer?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs take 14-18 minutes at 200°C (400°F), flipped halfway through. Check that the thickest piece reaches 74°C (165°F) before serving.
Should you flip chicken thighs in the air fryer?
Yes. Start skin-on thighs skin side down so the fat renders, then flip them skin side up for the rest of the cooking time so the skin finishes crisp and golden.
Can you cook frozen chicken thighs in the air fryer?
You can, but they take about 50% longer and the seasoning won't stick well to the icy surface. For the crispiest skin, thaw them overnight in the fridge first. Either way, check for 74°C (165°F) in the thickest part.
Why is the skin on air fryer chicken thighs not crispy?
Usually the skin was damp, the basket was crowded, or the thighs finished skin side down. Pat them very dry, cook them in a single layer with space around each piece, and always finish skin side up.
Disclaimer
- Nutrition information is an estimate based on the listed ingredients. It changes with the brands, portion sizes and swaps you use.
- Read ingredient labels for allergens and for diet claims such as gluten-free or vegan. Products and their ingredients can change.
- Cooking times are a guide, since ovens, air fryers and slow cookers all run differently. Use a food thermometer and cook meat, poultry and fish to the safe internal temperatures in government food safety guidance.
- This recipe is general information, not medical or nutrition advice. If you have an allergy, a health condition or a special diet, check with a qualified health professional.
