Description
This recipe for Simple Air Fryer Chicken Thighs delivers juicy, flavorful chicken with perfectly crispy skin. Using a blend of garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, the chicken is seasoned to savory perfection. Quick and easy to prepare, the air fryer method ensures a deliciously tender inside and crispy outside with minimal effort, making it an ideal weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Thighs
- 4-6 pieces Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (approximately 2-3 pounds)
Seasoning & Oil
- 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
Garnish
- Fresh herbs (parsley or thyme), for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Rinse the chicken thighs under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crisp skin.
- Oil the Chicken: Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken thighs and rub it evenly into the skin and meat to help the seasoning adhere and enhance crispness.
- Mix Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to create the seasoning blend.
- Season Chicken: Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken thighs and massage it in to coat all surfaces thoroughly.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure even cooking from the start.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the chicken thighs skin-side up in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding for best results.
- Cook Chicken: Air fry the chicken for 25-30 minutes, flipping the thighs halfway through to promote even cooking and crisp skin.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C), indicating the chicken is fully cooked.
- Rest Chicken: Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy meat.
- Serve: Serve the chicken warm, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry before oiling helps achieve crispier skin.
- Flipping the chicken halfway through cooking ensures even crisping on both sides.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.
- You can substitute bone-in chicken thighs with boneless, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid undercooking or drying out the chicken.
