Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the ingredients for the best air fryer chicken thighs, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Chicken Thighs – For the best flavor, use bone-in chicken thighs with the skin on. Boneless chicken thighs would also work for this recipe, but the cook time would be much faster (see time recommendations below). If possible, choose chicken thighs that are similar in size, so that they cook at the same rate. Avocado Oil – Oil makes the skin crispy and helps the seasoning stick. Olive oil also works. Spices – A blend of sea salt, dried thyme leaves (or substitute dried oregano or rosemary), smoked paprika (or sweet paprika will work), garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. If you like a kick, cayenne pepper makes a nice addition.
How To Cook Chicken Thighs In The Air Fryer
This section shows how to make air fryer chicken thighs, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card. Italian seasoning, lemon pepper seasoning, or Cajun seasoning are all delicious on air fryer bone-in chicken thighs. You could also use seasoning for pork chops, which is equally great on chicken. If you use a seasoning blend that doesn’t contain salt, add about 1/2 teaspoon of salt per pound of bone-in thighs. You could also use the marinade from my balsamic chicken for a sweet and tangy flavor
How Long To Cook Chicken Thighs In The Air Fryer?
Bone-in chicken thighs in the air fryer take about 15-20 minutes. Boneless thighs will take about 12-14 minutes.
Can You Cook Frozen Chicken Thighs In The Air Fryer?
Yes, you can air fry frozen chicken thighs. Cook time will take about 20-30 minutes, depending on their size.
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep leftovers in refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat: Warm up the chicken thighs in the air fryer again (I find 350 works best for reheating), or in a 350 degree F oven. You can microwave them, but the skin won’t be crispy anymore. Freeze: Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn, place in an airtight container or freezer bag, and freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What To Serve With Air Fried Chicken Thighs
Serve air fryer chicken thighs with your favorite healthy side dish! Here are some popular sides with my readers: Follow these tips for the best air fried chicken thighs:
Pat the chicken skin dry. Drying the chicken with a paper towel before seasoning ensures the chicken will get crispy. Don’t crowd the air fryer. Leave some room in between the chicken pieces to allow the skin to get crispy. Flip halfway through. Flipping the chicken helps it cook more evenly. It doesn’t really matter, though, if you place it skin side down first or skin side up. Use a meat thermometer and cook to the right temp. For the juiciest results, cook air fryer chicken thighs to an internal temperature of at least 170 degrees F. (They are safe to eat at 165 degrees F, but cooking them to this higher temperature helps break down connective tissue, which will result in a juicier, more tender chicken thigh.)
Air Fryer Sides – If you want to make your entire meal in the air fryer, you can! Tent the chicken with foil and then quickly make crispy air fryer broccoli, tender air fryer green beans, or honey glazed air fryer carrots. Vegetables – If you’d rather cook your veggies at the same time while you have the chicken thighs in the air fryer, try garlicky sauteed mushrooms, crispy smashed brussels sprouts, or simple oven roasted cauliflower. Potatoes – Make it a comfort food meal with air fryer baked potatoes (cook them first as they’ll stay warm for longer than the air fried chicken thighs), roasted sweet potatoes, or even lemon Greek potatoes. Salads – Try creamy cucumber salad, 5-ingredient BLT salad, or warm spinach bacon salad.
More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes
If you like this recipe, you might also like some of these other chicken recipes made in the air fryer: Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email. 📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Keto Freezer Meal System and Healthy Ebook Bundle!
