Name: Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 92 min
Ingredients: 1 kilogram chicken thighs (bone-in and skin-on); 1 ½ teaspoons salt; ¼ teaspoon dried parsley; ¼ teaspoon dried oregano; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ⅛ teaspoon onion powder; ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder; 2 tablespoons olive oil

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This Air Fryer Chicken Thighs recipe is a breeze, and trust me, you’re going to love every bite! This recipe layers simple spices onto juicy thighs, turning them into a golden, crispy treat. It’s the perfect quick fix for dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor, ideal for both busy weeknights and lazy weekends.

Close-up of two pieces of AIR FRIED chicken thighs garnished with parsley on a plate, with a side of asparagus in the background. — Air Fryer Chicken Thighs. Photo Credits: Pocket Friendly Recipes

Why You Will Love Making Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs have become one of my go-to meals, and it’s easy to see why—they cook in just 22 minutes after marinating, which means dinner’s on the table fast. I love that there’s barely any mess to deal with and with just a little oil and a simple spice blend, they come out full of flavor and perfectly crispy, just like they’ve been deep-fried.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.

A plate of raw chicken thighs next to small bowls containing olive oil, salt, oregano, onion powder, parsley, pepper, and garlic powder, all labeled. — Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Ingredients. Photo Credits: Pocket Friendly Recipes

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Step-By-Step Instructions

A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.

Getting these air fryer chicken thighs ready is super straightforward. Here’s how you can get from prep to plate in no time:

Marinate the Chicken

In a small bowl, mix up the salt, dried parsley, dried oregano, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and olive oil.

Toss the chicken thighs in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag, coat them well with the marinade, and let them sit in the fridge. An hour will do, but overnight is even better if you’ve got the time!

A glass bowl with olive oil, salt, green herbs, and spices. Raw chicken pieces on a paper-lined plate, a whisk, and a striped cloth are nearby on a white surface. — Mix the salt, parsley, oregano, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and olive oil in a small bowl.

A glass bowl containing marinated raw chicken pieces is placed on a white countertop next to a pair of wooden tongs and a striped cloth. — Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl and marinade them with the mixture.

Preheat Your Air Fryer

Heat your air fryer up to 380°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes to get it nice and hot before the chicken goes in.

Air Fry

Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin side down, and cook chicken for 12 minutes. Then flip them over and cook for another 10 minutes. You’re aiming for golden brown crispy skin and a juicy inside with an internal temp of 165°F (74°C).

Crispy, golden-brown chicken thighs arranged in the basket of an air fryer, ready to be served. — Cook for 12 minutes, flip them over, and cook for another 10 minutes.

Rest and Serve

Once they’re done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to keep all those tasty juices locked in. Then, serve them up hot and enjoy! Garnish with some fresh herbs, and pair with your favorite sides.

Air fried chicken thighs topped with parsley, served with asparagus spears and a lemon wedge on a white plate. — Garnish with some herbs and serve with your favorite side dish.

Recipe Notes and Expert Tips

To help you nail this crispy chicken thighs recipe every single time, here are some handy tips and tricks:

Boneless Chicken Thighs: You can substitute boneless chicken thighs if needed. They will cook a bit faster than bone-in chicken thighs, so adjust the time down by a few minutes. Just keep an eye on the internal temperature to make sure it hits 165°F (74°C).
Don’t Skip Marinating: Giving the chicken time to marinate really amps up the flavor. If you can, let it marinate overnight in the fridge.
Room Temperature: For even cooking, take the chicken out of the fridge about 15-20 minutes before you plan to cook it. This helps it come to room temperature.
Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure the chicken thighs aren’t piled on top of each other in the air fryer. Cooking them in a single layer ensures they get evenly crispy.
Check the Temperature: Using a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature is the best way to ensure it’s perfectly cooked.
Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps redistribute the juices, making your chicken even more succulent.
Adjust Cooking Time: Depending on the size of your chicken thighs, you might need to adjust the cooking time a bit. Keep an eye on them and adjust accordingly.
Experiment with Spices: Feel free to tweak the spice mix to suit your taste. Add a little smoked paprika or cayenne for a kick, or some thyme for a herbier touch.

How to Store Leftover Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Storing your air fryer chicken thighs the right way means you’ll still enjoy them just as much the next day.

Once they’ve cooled to room temperature, transfer them to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3–4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, I recommend using the air fryer again—just set it to 350°F (175°C) and warm them for a few minutes until they’re heated through and the skin is nice and crispy again. It brings back that freshly cooked texture without drying them out.

If you want to store them longer, freezing works well too. Just make sure the chicken thighs are completely cooled before sealing them in freezer-safe bags or containers. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat gently for the best results.

A plate of cooked, golden-brown chicken pieces garnished with chopped herbs, placed on a wicker surface. — Air Fryer Chicken Thighs. Photo Credits: Pocket Friendly Recipes

Our Top 3 Money-Saving Tips for This Recipe

Keeping your budget in check while cooking delicious meals like these air fryer chicken thighs is totally doable. Here are our top three money-saving tips:

Meal Prep: Cook multiple batches at once to save on energy costs and time.
Use Leftovers: Transform leftover chicken into new meals like salads, sandwiches, or wraps.
Reduce Waste: Use every part of the ingredients where possible. For instance, leftover marinade can be cooked down to make a sauce.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Deciding what to serve with your air fryer chicken thighs can be almost as fun as eating them! Here are a few ideas to round out your meal:

Comforting Starches

Start with a starchy side to balance the meal. Something like roasted potatoes or a creamy risotto can be an excellent match for the crispy, savory chicken. For a lighter option, try quinoa or a hearty farro salad, which will soak up any juices and flavors from the chicken.

Veg Out

For your veggies, think about what complements the rich flavors of the chicken. Air fryer broccoli or Brussels sprouts caramelized in the air fryer beside the chicken make for a convenient and tasty option.

Get Saucy

Don’t forget a good sauce! A simple garlic aioli or a herby chimichurri can really elevate the chicken. Even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten everything up and tie all the flavors together nicely.

A plate of golden brown, air fried chicken thighs garnished with chopped parsley. — Air Fryer Chicken Thighs. Photo Credits: Pocket Friendly Recipes

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