Chicken thighs in an air fryer

Introduction

Chicken thighs are one of the best cuts for the air fryer—they stay juicy inside while the skin crisps up beautifully. With just a few pantry spices and minimal oil, you can have perfectly seasoned, golden chicken thighs in under 30 minutes. This recipe works with both bone-in, skin-on thighs (extra crispy skin!) or boneless, skinless thighs (quicker and leaner). It’s a versatile dish that pairs well with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20–25 minutes

Total Time: 25–30 minutes

Ingredients

Two pounds of skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs (about four pieces)

One tablespoon of vegetable oil

Half a tablespoon of salt

Half a teaspoon of black pepper, ground

One teaspoon of powdered garlic

One teaspoon of paprika

Half a teaspoon of Italian seasoning

One teaspoon of optional soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce

One teaspoon of vinegar with balsamic

DIRECTIONS

Put the chicken thighs in a big zip lock bag that can be sealed. Add all the spices and oil. Close the bag and give it a good shake. Make sure the bag is securely sealed after pressing the air out of it. The chicken can alternatively be marinated in a bowl covered with plastic cling wrap. Press the spice around the chicken to coat it. Let it marinade for at least an hour or overnight in the refrigerator.

Preheat the air fryer to 375F for approximately five minutes before cooking. Put the thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin side up, and cook for 25 to 28 minutes, or until the skin is as golden brown and crispy as you like. A meat thermometer should register 165F as the interior temperature of the chicken.

Serve right away with your preferred side dish or vegetables, such as air-fried broccoli, mashed potatoes, or garlic green beans.