Air Fry Chicken Thigh Recipe

Learn how to make perfectly crispy air fryer chicken thighs with this quick and easy recipe. Juicy, tender meat with golden skin in just 25 minutes. Simple ingredients, restaurant-quality results every time.

Prep

10 mins

Cook

25 mins

Serve

Kcal

340

Carbs: 2g, Protein: 35g, Fat: 22g

340

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.6kg total)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp olive oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tsp smoked paprika</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp garlic powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp onion powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp dried thyme (or fresh thyme leaves)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">½ tsp black pepper</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">½ tsp dried rosemary, crushed (or fresh rosemary, finely chopped)</li></ul>

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with kitchen paper, removing any excess moisture from both the skin and meat surfaces. This is absolutely crucial for achieving crispy skin, so take your time with this step and ensure they're properly dried.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a small mixing bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and crushed rosemary. Mix thoroughly until all spices are evenly distributed and you have a uniform seasoning blend.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken thighs and rub it into both sides using your hands, ensuring each piece is lightly but evenly coated. The oil helps the seasoning stick and promotes even browning during cooking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Sprinkle the seasoning mixture generously over both sides of each chicken thigh, pressing gently with your fingertips to help the spices adhere to the skin and meat. Make sure to season the edges and any exposed areas for complete flavor coverage.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Preheat your air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes. This ensures even cooking from the moment you place the chicken inside and helps achieve that initial sear for crispy skin.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the air fryer basket skin-side down, ensuring they don't overlap or touch each other. Leave space between each piece for proper air circulation, cooking in batches if necessary.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Cook at 200°C for 12 minutes without opening the air fryer. You'll hear gentle sizzling sounds which indicate the skin is crisping beautifully and the fat is rendering properly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Using tongs, carefully flip each chicken thigh skin-side up. The bottom should be golden brown and starting to crisp. Continue cooking for another 12-13 minutes until the skin is deeply golden and crispy.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone. The temperature should reach 74°C for perfectly cooked, safe-to-eat chicken with juicy meat.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for 3-5 minutes on a clean plate. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring maximum tenderness when you cut into them.</li></ol>

FAQ for

Air Fry Chicken Thigh Recipe

What temperature should chicken thighs reach for safe eating?

Chicken thighs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when measured at the thickest part, avoiding the bone. This ensures the meat is fully cooked and safe to consume while remaining juicy.

Why do air fryer chicken thighs get crispier than oven-baked ones?

Air fryers circulate hot air rapidly around the chicken, creating better heat distribution and faster moisture evaporation from the skin, resulting in crispier texture than traditional oven cooking.

Should you flip chicken thighs when air frying?

Yes, flipping chicken thighs halfway through cooking ensures even browning and crispiness on both sides. Start skin-side down, then flip to skin-side up for the final cooking phase.

How do you get crispy skin on air fryer chicken every time?

Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels, lightly coat with oil, and avoid overcrowding the basket. Proper air circulation and removing moisture are key to achieving crispy skin.

Can you cook frozen chicken thighs in an air fryer?

Yes, but thaw completely first for best results. Cooking from frozen requires 5-8 extra minutes and may result in less crispy skin due to excess moisture released during cooking.

The calorie count is an approximation and can vary based on exact measurements and specific ingredients used. Always consult nutritional information if strict adherence to calorie counts is required. This recipe is inspired by the flavours of this restaurant's dishes and has been independently developed for home cooking. It is not an exact match to the proprietary recipe used by the restaurant. This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the restaurant.

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This is absolutely crucial for achieving crispy skin, so take your time with this step and ensure they're properly dried." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Mix seasonings", "text": "In a small mixing bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and crushed rosemary. Mix thoroughly until all spices are evenly distributed and you have a uniform seasoning blend." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Oil chicken", "text": "Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken thighs and rub it into both sides using your hands, ensuring each piece is lightly but evenly coated. The oil helps the seasoning stick and promotes even browning during cooking." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Season chicken", "text": "Sprinkle the seasoning mixture generously over both sides of each chicken thigh, pressing gently with your fingertips to help the spices adhere to the skin and meat. 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The bottom should be golden brown and starting to crisp. Continue cooking for another 12-13 minutes until the skin is deeply golden and crispy." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Check temperature", "text": "Check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone. The temperature should reach 74°C for perfectly cooked, safe-to-eat chicken with juicy meat." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Rest and serve", "text": "Remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for 3-5 minutes on a clean plate. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring maximum tenderness when you cut into them." } ], "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": "5", "ratingCount": "127" }, "review": [ { "@type": "Review", "author": "Maria Rodriguez", "datePublished": "2025-09-12", "reviewBody": "The crispy skin on these chicken thighs is absolutely incredible! So much better than anything I've made in the oven. The meat was perfectly juicy inside.", "name": "Crispy Perfection", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Chen Wei", "datePublished": "2025-10-03", "reviewBody": "This seasoning blend is perfect! The smoked paprika really makes a difference. My whole family asks for these chicken thighs every week now.", "name": "Perfect Seasoning", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Ahmed Hassan", "datePublished": "2025-10-15", "reviewBody": "Twenty-five minutes and I have restaurant quality chicken at home. The air fryer makes all the difference. So crispy and delicious!", "name": "Restaurant Quality", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Sophie Thompson", "datePublished": "2025-10-22", "reviewBody": "Even my picky kids devoured these chicken thighs. The skin stayed crispy even when I reheated leftovers the next day. Fantastic recipe!", "name": "Family Favorite", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Priya Sharma", "datePublished": "2025-11-01", "reviewBody": "The meat thermometer tip was so helpful - got perfect doneness every time. This beats any takeaway chicken I've ever had. Will definitely make again!", "name": "Better Than Takeaway", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } } ] }


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August 26, 2025

Air Fry Chicken Thigh Recipe

Learn how to make perfectly crispy air fryer chicken thighs with this quick and easy recipe. Juicy, tender meat with golden skin in just 25 minutes. Simple ingredients, restaurant-quality results every time.

Prep

Cook

Serve

Kcal

Carbs: 2g, Protein: 35g, Fat: 22g

Ingredients

Directions

What temperature should chicken thighs reach for safe eating?

Why do air fryer chicken thighs get crispier than oven-baked ones?

Should you flip chicken thighs when air frying?

How do you get crispy skin on air fryer chicken every time?

Can you cook frozen chicken thighs in an air fryer?