Crispy and Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs – Ready in 12 Minutes!
This 12-minute air fryer chicken thighs recipe is about to become your new go-to for a quick and mouthwatering dinner!
With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, these chicken thighs turn out perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Whether you’re short on time or just craving a hassle-free meal, this recipe is a winner.
Best part? You can customize the seasoning to suit your tastes!
Get ready to impress your taste buds with this easy, foolproof recipe.
For Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Chicken Thighs – I recommend skin-on, bone-in thighs for the juiciest, most flavorful results. You can also use boneless thighs for a quicker cook time.
- Olive Oil – Helps to crisp up the skin and add flavor.
- Smoked Paprika – Adds a subtle smoky flavor to the chicken.
- Italian Seasoning – This blend of herbs complements the chicken and adds an aromatic touch.
- Garlic Powder – A key ingredient to bring a savory depth of flavor to the chicken.
- Pepper – For a little heat and seasoning.
- Salt – Enhances the flavors and balances the seasoning.
For Storing and Reheating
- To Store – Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- To Freeze – Place cooked and cooled chicken in a ziplock bag, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- To Reheat – Thaw frozen chicken overnight before reheating in the air fryer, oven, or microwave.
Quick and Easy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Craving juicy, crispy chicken thighs without the long wait? This 12-minute air fryer recipe gives you perfectly golden skin and tender meat in less time than it takes to order takeout! Quick, customizable, and delicious – dinner just got easier.
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Servings: 4
Calories: 249kcal
Ingredients
- 4 large chicken thighs (skin-on)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp pepper
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F).
- In a bowl, toss the chicken thighs with olive oil. Add the salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly with the seasoning.
- Arrange the chicken thighs, skin side up, in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
- Once done, remove the chicken from the air fryer and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Storage & Reheating Tips
- To store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- To freeze: Place cooled, cooked chicken in a ziplock bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat: Thaw frozen chicken overnight and reheat in the air fryer, oven, or microwave.
Nutrition
Calories: 249kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 13g | Sodium: 402mg | Potassium: 313mg | Fiber: 1g | Vitamin A: 241IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 1mg
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- Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of bone-in, skin-on?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work just as well! While bone-in, skin-on thighs tend to stay juicier, boneless thighs will cook a bit faster. Just be sure to check for doneness with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
- Do I need to flip the chicken during cooking?
Flipping the chicken halfway through ensures a golden, crispy exterior on both sides. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip the flip – just make sure the thighs are spaced out for even cooking.
- How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the air fryer basket?
To prevent sticking, lightly coat the basket with cooking spray or brush it with a bit of oil before adding the chicken. Patting the chicken dry before seasoning can also help reduce moisture and prevent it from sticking.
- What if my air fryer doesn’t have a preheat function?
No worries! Simply set your air fryer to the desired temperature and let it run empty for about 3-5 minutes before adding the chicken. This ensures it’s hot enough to cook the chicken evenly.
- How can I make sure the chicken reaches the right temperature?
To make sure your chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). This guarantees it’s safe to eat and perfectly cooked!
