Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs (12 Minute Recipe)- TBMW

These air fryer chicken thighs are perfectly crispy on the outside and ridiculously juicy in the middle! Ready in just 12 minutes, it’s easy to customize and perfect for dinner.

We love cooking chicken in the air fryer.

We’ve done chicken breast, tenderloins, drumsticks, strips, and wings, and even an entire chicken! Our favorite cut to air fry, though, is chicken thighs.

Why you’ll love this air fryer chicken thighs recipe

• Ready in under 15 minutes. From prep to plate, these chicken thighs need less than 12 minutes to cook! 
• No marinating needed. Similar to baked chicken thighs, these don’t need any marination time. 
• Crispy and juicy. A secret trick guarantees the chicken is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. 
• Easy to customize. Use your favorite oil, seasonings, spices, and sauces.

What I love about this dish is just how simple and delicious it is. There is barely any effort is required for juicy and tender poultry.

Ingredients needed

You’ll love the extremely basic ingredient list for this recipe. Besides some seasonings, you are ready to go! Here is what you’ll need:

• Chicken thighs- Get bone-in chicken thighs with skin, as they turn out juicy when cooked.
• Olive oil- A flavorful and robust oil that gives the chicken a lovely flavor. Other oils will also work. 
• Seasonings- salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and Italian seasonings. 

How to make crispy chicken thighs in the air fryer

Simple is an understatement for this recipe. With less than a minute of hands-on time, the air fryer takes care of all the hard work! Ready to cook up some thighs?

Step 1- Preheat the air fryer

Start by preheating the air fryer to 375F/190C. Ensure there are no crumbs or bits and pieces in the air fryer vents.

Step 2- Prep the chicken

Next, use a paper towel to soak up any excess moisture. Rub the oil on the chicken, followed by the seasonings. 

Step 3- Air fry the chicken thighs

Now, add the chicken thighs to the air fryer and air fry for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F, it is ready to serve.  

Tips to make the best recipe

• Always pat dry the chicken before seasoning it. This guarantees a crispy exterior and keeps all the juices inside.
• You must flip the chicken halfway through so that both sides are cooked evenly.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket, or else the chicken will take longer to cook and risk becoming gummy in the middle.
• Try to choose equal-sized chicken thighs so they cook at the same time.

Flavor variations

The beauty of such a simple recipe is just how easy it is to customize. Here are some ideas:

• Use other cuts of chicken thighs. Sliced chicken thighs, skinless chicken thighs, or boneless AND skinless chicken thighs (like in Peruvian chicken).
• Add a spicy kick. Add some red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and chili powder. 
• Cover it in sauces. Rub some eel sauce, katsu sauce, or even some bulgogi sauce for a fun Asian twist.
• Skip the oil completely. For a healthier twist, skip the oil and air fry it as it is. 

Storage instructions

• To Store: Leftovers can be stored in an air tight container for up to five days. 
• To Freeze: Place the cooked and cooled chicken in a ziplock bag and store it in the freezer for up to three months. 
• Reheating: Thaw the frozen air fryer chicken thighs overnight before reheating in the air fryer, oven, or even microwave. 

More air fryer chicken recipes to try 

Frequently Asked Questions