Go Back
–+ servings
Save This Recipe Form

Want to save this recipe?

Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get more great recipes and tips from us each week!

Close-up of two pieces of AIR FRIED chicken thighs garnished with parsley on a plate, with a side of asparagus in the background.

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

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. 
Print Recipe Pin Recipe [btn-google-source]
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Marination Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air fryer chicken thighs
Servings: 4
Calories: 611kcal
Author: Mandy Applegate

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
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, mix salt, dried parsley, dried oregano, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and olive oil to create a marinade.
    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
  • Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag and coat them evenly with the marinade. Let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
    1 kilogram chicken thighs
  • Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
  • Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade and shake off any excess marinade.
  • Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin side down, in a single layer. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
  • Cook the chicken thighs in the air fryer for 12 minutes.
  • After 12 minutes, flip the chicken thighs over using tongs and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy and golden brown.
  • Once cooked, remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot with your favorite side dishes.

Notes

  • 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.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

  • Cool and Airtight: Let the chicken thighs cool to room temperature and use an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag to store it in the refrigerator.
  • Refrigerate: Pop them in the fridge and consume them within 3-4 days.
  • Reheating: When you’re ready to eat, reheat the chicken thighs in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until they’re heated through and the skin gets crispy again. This helps revive the texture and warmth without drying out the meat.
  • Freeze: You can freeze the cooked chicken thighs for up to 3 months. Make sure they are cooled completely and stored in freezer-safe bags or containers. Thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to eat and reheat gently to maintain the best texture.

Nutrition

Calories: 611kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 49g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 22g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 245mg | Sodium: 1065mg | Potassium: 518mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 0.01g | Vitamin A: 198IU | Vitamin C: 0.03mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!