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Five pieces of golden-brown bone-in chicken with crispy, well-seasoned skin arranged on a white plate, with a blue and white checkered kitchen towel and wooden cutting board visible in the background.
Julia Morel

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Discover the ultimate method for crispy, juicy air fryer chicken thighs. After weeks of testing and perfecting, this foolproof recipe delivers both flavor and texture with minimal effort—whether you're using bone-in for a hearty meal or boneless for a quick fix.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 24 minutes
Total Time 29 minutes
Servings: 6 thighs
Course: Air Fryer Chicken Recipes
Cuisine: American
Calories: 213
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 6 pieces chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
  • 0.5 piece lemon, juiced
  • 1 tbsp high-smoke-point oil (e.g., avocado or grapeseed)
Spice Mix
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1 tsp dried herbs (oregano or herbes de Provence)
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp baking powder

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels. Place on a clean plate.
  2. Squeeze lemon juice over the chicken thighs to add brightness and tenderize the meat.
  3. Mix all spices and baking powder in a small bowl. Rub the mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken thigh.
  4. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–4 minutes.
  5. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the basket. Cook for 12 minutes.
  6. Flip the thighs so the skin is facing up. Cook for an additional 12 minutes.
  7. Check doneness using a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C). Cook for 2 more minutes if needed.
  8. Let the chicken rest for 3–5 minutes before serving to retain juices.

Notes

Letting the chicken sit uncovered in the fridge after seasoning can enhance crispness. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy, and always cook in a single layer to ensure crispiness. For variations, try a Cajun spice rub or brush with honey garlic glaze in the last 3 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 thigh, Calories: 213 kcal, Carbohydrates: 1.5 g, Protein: 16 g, Fat: 15.5 g, Saturated Fat: 4 g, Sodium: 263 mg