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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

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A quick and easy recipe for juicy, crispy chicken thighs cooked in the air fryer with simple pantry ingredients and a flavorful seasoning blend.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 680 g)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels, focusing on the skin side (5 minutes).
  2. In a mixing bowl, drizzle olive oil over the chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly.
  3. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using) over the chicken. Rub the seasoning all over, including under the skin if possible (5 minutes).
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for 3 minutes.
  5. Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch (1 minute).
  6. Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, then flip the thighs skin-side up and cook for another 10 minutes.
  7. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (74°C). If the skin is not crispy enough, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning (20 minutes total cooking).
  8. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Patting the chicken skin dry before seasoning is essential for crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to prevent steaming. Flipping halfway ensures even crisping. Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, check for clear juices when pierced. Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to revive crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, juicy chicken, gluten-free chicken, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/crispy-air-fryer-chicken-thighs-recipe-5-easy-steps-for-juicy-perfection/