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Air Fryer Chicken Thighs |
If you're craving crispy, flavorful chicken without deep frying, these Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are your new weeknight go-to.
Thanks to the air fryer, you’ll get perfectly golden skin and tender, juicy meat with minimal effort.
This recipe works great with bone-in or boneless chicken thighs and is ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
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4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1/2 tsp onion powder
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Optional: pinch of cayenne for heat
Instructions
1. Preheat the air fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat while you season the chicken.
2. Season the chicken
Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. In a bowl, mix the spices.
Rub olive oil over the chicken thighs, then coat evenly with the seasoning blend.
3. Cook in the air fryer
Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12 minutes.
Flip, then cook for another 10–12 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy.
4. Rest and serve
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Serve with rice, salad, or roasted vegetables.
🍗 Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken
Don’t overcrowd the basket—air flow is key for crispiness.
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For extra crispy skin, let the chicken air dry in the fridge uncovered for 1 hour before cooking.
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Use a thermometer to ensure perfect doneness.