Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

This simple recipe creates the most succulent chicken thighs in the air fryer. Tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor, topped with crispy skin, these chicken thighs pair wonderfully with any meal. With just a handful of ingredients and under 30 minutes, you can serve this delightful dish that will keep everyone satisfied.

Reasons to try this air fryer chicken recipe

This recipe is completely reliable (quick and straightforward, too) and will become your favorite method for preparing chicken thighs in the air fryer. I also have a popular recipe for cooking frozen chicken thighs in the air fryer, which has received great feedback from my readers.

The cooking steps are a breeze: just season the chicken to your liking, put it in the air fryer, and cook until it’s perfectly juicy, right down to the bone!

No need for marination, though it’s an option if you have the time.

Ingredients

Bone-in Skin-on chicken breasts

Olive oil 

Lemon pepper seasoning

Onion granules

Garlic granules

Oregano

Parsley

Smoked paprika

Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions for making air fryer chicken thighs

Begin by preheating the air fryer to 400F/200C for about 3-5 minutes.

Trim off any excess fat and skin from the chicken thighs, then pat them dry using a paper towel.

In a large bowl, place the chicken thighs and drizzle them with olive oil. Add lemon pepper seasoning, oregano, parsley, garlic granules, smoked paprika, onion granules, salt, and black pepper.

Thoroughly rub the seasoning into the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated evenly.

Arrange the chicken thighs, skin side down, in a single layer within the air fryer basket. It’s okay if they touch, but avoid overlapping (refer to the photo below).

Cook the chicken thighs in the air fryer for 25-35 minutes, flipping them halfway, until they reach an internal temperature of 165F /74C.

After cooking, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Serve with your favorite sides or incorporate into dishes like salads or wraps.

Note: Your air fryer’s size will affect the cooking time. For smaller bone-in chicken thighs, start checking at 20 minutes, then adjust as needed. If you’re using boneless thighs, aim for about 15 minutes of cooking time.

Watch how to prepare it

Serving suggestions

Chicken thighs are incredibly versatile and can be served in numerous ways. I paired today’s dish with creamy mashed potatoes, sautéed frozen vegetables, and gravy made from the pan drippings.

With summer here, I’ve been whipping up this fresh mango avocado salsa at least twice weekly, and it’s a fantastic match for chicken thighs. Feel free to use the chicken in salads, wraps, rice bowls, or sandwiches.

How to store leftovers

Leftover chicken can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for as long as 3 months or more.

To reheat, place it back in the air fryer at 165C/350F until heated to your preference. Alternatively, you can use the microwave.

More air fryer chicken recipes to enjoy

Air fryer frozen chicken thighs

Air fryer chicken thighs with potatoes

Air fryer miso cod

Air fryer boneless chicken thighs

How to prepare frozen chicken breasts in the air fryer

Air Fryer Bone-In Chicken Breasts

Air fryer chicken quarters

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

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This easy recipe makes the juiciest chicken thighs in the air fryer. Juicy, tender, and full of flavor, with crispy skin, these chicken thighs are perfect with any meal. With just a few ingredients and less than 30 minutes, you can have this on your dinner table that satisfies the tummy all through.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 28 minutes

Total Time 38 minutes

Course Entree

Cuisine American, British

Servings 4

Calories 524 kcal

  • 8 Bone-in Skin-on chicken breasts about 1.4kg
  • Tablespoons Olive oil
  • ½ Tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon onion granules
  • 1 teaspoon garlic granules
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon parsley
  • 1/2 Tablespoon smoked paprika
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Prevent your screen from going dark

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400F/200C for 3-5 minutes.

  • Trim any excess fat and skin from the chicken thighs and pat them dry with a kitchen paper towel.

  • Add the chicken thighs to a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with lemon pepper seasoning, oregano, parsley, garlic granules, smoked paprika, onion granules, salt, and black pepper.

  • Rub the seasoning into the chicken, making sure it is evenly coated.

  • Place the chicken thighs, skin side down, in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Ensure they don’t overlap, but they can touch.

  • Air fry the chicken thighs for 25-35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F /74C.

  • After cooking, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Note: The size of your air fryer will determine how long you cook it. For small bone-in chicken thighs, you can start checking at 20 minutes and then adjust the cooking time accordingly. If boneless chicken thighs are used, adjust the cooking time to around 15 minutes.

Calories: 524kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 57gFat: 31gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 174mgSodium: 173mgPotassium: 649mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.2gVitamin A: 672IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 46mgIron: 3mg

Nutritional data: Please keep in mind that the nutrition label provided is an estimate based on an online nutrition calculator. It may vary according to the specific ingredients and brands you choose. Under no circumstances shall thedinnerbite.com be liable for any loss or damage resulting from your reliance on this nutritional information.

Keyword air fryer bone in chicken thighs, air fryer chicken thighs, how to make air fryer chicken thighs in air fryer

And that’s it—a delightful and simple air fryer chicken recipe you can whip up at home in no time. If you try this recipe, I would love to hear your thoughts! Please rate it 5 stars and leave feedback in the comment section below. Tag me @thedinnerbite on Instagram and save it to your Pinterest. Don’t forget to subscribe to the blog if you haven’t already, to receive free new recipes directly to your inbox.

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