Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are the perfect weeknight dinner when you need something quick, affordable, and packed with flavor. The chicken turns out crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and cooks in less than 20 minutes with just a handful of simple seasonings.
This family-tested recipe is one of our favorite ways to make chicken thighs because it requires very little prep and pairs well with almost any side dish. Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding a hungry family, this recipe delivers every time.
Ever since we bought our air fryer, it has really been a game changer. Chicken is one of our favorite things to cook in it. This recipe does not disappoint and your family will really love it.
Each bite is tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. Plus, it has amazing flavor and you only need a few simple ingredients. This is one of our go to recipes when we want fried chicken but need it fast for dinner. I can’t wait for you to try it.
Make sure to also check out these air fryer chicken recipes, Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe, air fryer southern fried chicken, Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs, Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets, Air Fryer Fried Chicken Wings, Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe, Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins and Air Fryer Whole Chicken.
Why We Love Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
This recipe is so simple and anyone can make it when you are short on time. The hot air cooks the chicken with a crispy skin and a juicy center. The chicken thighs are ready in less than 20 minutes and the best part is there is no oil splatter and cleanup is a breeze.
You will that this recipe is budget friendly and perfect to meal prep with. If you love to grill, check out these Grilled Chicken Thigh Recipes. To make chicken thighs in the slow cooker, check out Crockpot Chicken Thighs.
Ingredients
- Chicken Thighs – Skin-on Chicken Thighs with Bones.
- Olive Oil – Use oil of your choice. I really like avocado oil too
- Paprika – Smoked Paprika can be used or check out these Best Paprika Substitute
- Italian Seasoning
- Salt and Black Pepper – Simple spices
Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.
How to Cook Chicken Thighs in an Air Fryer
Step 1 – Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees. No worries if your air fryer does not have a preheat option. Just let it run for 5 minutes at 390 degrees.
Step 2 – Pat dry the chicken thighs with a paper towel. Then pour the olive oil over the chicken thighs. I like to drizzle it all over and use a basting brush to make sure all of the chicken is covered.
Step 3 – Mix together the seasonings in a small bowl. You are going to be amazed how just a few simple seasonings give this chicken so much flavor.
Step 4 – Once the seasoning is mixed together, rub the seasoning mixture all over the bone-in chicken thighs. Make sure you get everywhere.
Step 5 – Put the meat in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket, skin side down and cook at 390 degrees for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, flip the chicken and cook for an another 8 to 10 minutes.
Expert Tips
- Single Layer – Do not overlap the chicken in this mini convection oven. You may have to cook the chicken in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Rest Chicken – Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving and enjoy!
- Seasoning Chicken Thighs – For the best flavor, season the chicken thighs completely on both sides.
How Long do you Cook Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer
Air Fry the chicken thighs for about 12-16 minutes depending on the size of your chicken thighs. We recommend using a meat thermometer to ensure that your chicken thighs are fully cooked.
The chicken needs to reach an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees in thickest part of the thigh.
Variations Ideas
- Chicken – Feel free to also use this recipe to make boneless chicken breast or boneless skinless chicken thighs.
- Seasoning – Change the spices to what you prefer. We have substituted the Italian Seasoning for ½ teaspoon garlic powder, onion powder, and lemon juice. Fresh herbs can also be added such as rosemary or thyme.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Mashed Potatoes
- Green Beans
- Spinach Strawberry Salad
- Air Fryer Carrots
- Easy Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
- Steamed Broccoli in the Microwave– this is a really quick and easy side dish for busy nights.
- Quick and Easy Macaroni and Cheese
- Brussel Sprouts in Air Fryer
If your kids don’t like brussel sprouts, try them in the air fryer. The texture is different and they are crispy and delicious.
Just keep it simple and enjoy a delicious family dinner. Everyone will love this meal. Enjoy!
Recipe FAQs
Yes, but the chicken thighs will need to be thawed first before cooking in the air fryer.
Yes, you will need to flip chicken thighs while cooking in the air fryer. This helps to evenly cook the chicken and creates a crispy skin texture on both sides.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
We recommend reheating in the air fryer to create a crispy texture again. Reheat for about 3-4 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat in the oven or the microwave if you prefer.
Yes, you can place the chicken thighs in a freezer storage container once they have cooled to room temperature. Store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight when ready to serve.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
If you try making these Air Fryer Chicken Thighs, please leave us a comment or a star review. We love to hear from you.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 12 Chicken Thighs – Skin on with Bones
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- ½ tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Pepper
See how we calculate recipe costs.
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place 12 chicken thighs into a large bowl or onto a baking tray.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil evenly over the chicken thighs. Use a basting brush or your hands to coat the chicken evenly.
- In a small bowl, combine ½ teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper.
- Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over all sides of the chicken thighs.
- Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overlap the chicken. Cook in batches if needed depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cook the chicken thighs at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes.
- Flip the chicken thighs and continue cooking for an additional 8–10 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
This is delicious, easy and quick. I used chicken legs because I get food from a food pantry and that is what I have. I really appreciate all the recipes, they are so helpful in my life and I get to try things that I normally would have had to get from a restaurant, which I can no longer afford in retirement.
I love all the recipes I have tried so far, what time and money savers.
Simple yet tasty looking recipe to send off with my college kiddo this fall
Kim – That’s a great idea! Thanks for sharing.
Love a good air fryer recipe for chicken my favorite so far
Jessica – I’m so glad to hear. Thanks for commenting.
Had to repost, sorry forgot to rate the recipe 🙂
Thanks so much!
Too hot for the oven here! This looks like a great way to use my air fryer and NOT heat the whole house. Will be using the leftover chicken for other meals too because they are flavored well!! Thank you!
Yes! Great way to keep the kitchen cool! Thanks for commenting.
This recipe gave me the confidence to use my air fryer . It was easy , very tasty and soooo fast ! Thank you !!!
This was my first recipe to try in my air fryer and WOW!! The family said, that was easy and soooo good. So glad to have found this recipe. A keeper for sure.
Thanks!
I love chicken thighs and can’t wait to try !!
I hope you enjoy it!
What a great weeknight recipe!
Thank you! It is so easy!
Looks delicious! Definitely trying this soon.
Bella – Let me know how it turns out!
This looks so good. I have been looking for different ways to cook chicken in my air fryer. I will definitely have to try this recipe out next time I make chicken thighs. Thank you for sharing.
You’re so welcome! I’m excited you are going to try it.
My children loved the chicken thighs this way and I loved the flavor and especially how fast it was to make before baseball game. I added a pasta salad and corn on the cob as sides. Will definitely be using this recipe again!
Love the side dish ideas with this! So glad everyone liked it during a busy week!
Love me some chicken thighs! : )
We do too!
Delicious and juicy! Nicely seasoned.
Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe.