Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs: 5 Ingredients
Simple, crispy, and juicy air fryer chicken thighs made with just five ingredients. This recipe delivers restaurant-quality crunch without the mess of deep frying, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-22 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Pat the chicken thighs thoroughly dry with paper towels to remove all moisture.
- In a large bowl, toss the dried chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Arrange the thighs in the air fryer basket skin-side up, ensuring they are not stacked or overcrowded.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12 minutes.
- Flip the thighs over and cook for another 8-10 minutes.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Ensure chicken skin is completely dry before cooking to achieve maximum crispiness. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary. If using bone-in thighs, increase cooking time by 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving leftovers as it makes the skin soggy; reheat in the air fryer or oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1-2 thighs per servi
- Calories: 280
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 1
- Protein: 28
Keywords: air fryer chicken, crispy chicken thighs, easy dinner, healthy chicken recipe, low carb dinner, gluten free chicken, weeknight meals