Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and Juicy – The air fryer locks in moisture while crisping up the skin beautifully.
- Quick and Easy – With just 10 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking, dinner is ready in no time.
- Healthier Alternative – Uses less oil than traditional frying while still achieving a deliciously crispy texture.
- Customizable – Easily adjust the seasonings to your taste or try different marinades.
- Minimal Cleanup – The air fryer makes cooking and cleaning a breeze.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 lbs. chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on (about 4 pieces)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ½ tablespoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
Directions
-
Marinate the Chicken
- Place the chicken thighs in a large sealable zip-top bag.
- Add the vegetable oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce (if using), and balsamic vinegar.
- Seal the bag, shake well, and press the seasoning around the chicken to coat evenly.
- Refrigerate and marinate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for deeper flavor).
-
Preheat the Air Fryer
- Set the air fryer to 375°F and let it preheat for about 5 minutes.
-
Cook the Chicken
- Place the chicken thighs skin-side up in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 25-28 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer.
-
Serve and Enjoy
- Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes, air fryer garlic green beans, or roasted broccoli.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: 4 servings
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version – Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili powder for a kick.
- Lemon Herb Flavor – Swap balsamic vinegar for lemon juice and add fresh rosemary or thyme.
- Asian-Inspired – Use soy sauce instead of Worcestershire, and add a teaspoon of ginger and sesame oil.
- BBQ Style – Brush the chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken thighs in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating:
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
- Oven: Bake at 375°F for 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warm (though it may lose crispiness).
FAQs
How do I get extra crispy skin?
Pat the chicken dry before seasoning and cook skin-side up for the entire time.
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs?
Yes, but reduce the cooking time to 18-20 minutes since they cook faster.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake the chicken in an oven at 400°F for 35-40 minutes.
Do I need to flip the chicken?
No, keeping it skin-side up ensures crispiness without flipping.
Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
Yes! The longer marination enhances flavor and tenderness.
What can I serve with air fryer chicken thighs?
Try roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad.
Can I cook frozen chicken thighs in the air fryer?
Yes, but increase the cooking time by 5-10 minutes and check the internal temperature.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Avoid overcooking and use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches exactly 165°F.
Can I use olive oil instead of vegetable oil?
Yes, olive oil works well and adds extra flavor.
Why is my chicken not crispy?
Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket and always preheat the air fryer.
Conclusion
Air fryer chicken thighs are the perfect solution for a quick, flavorful, and crispy meal. With simple seasonings and a hands-off cooking process, this recipe is great for busy nights. Try different variations and pair them with your favorite sides for a delicious dinner every time.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Air fryer chicken thighs are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor. This easy air fryer recipe requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With a quick marinade and just 25 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a healthier alternative to fried chicken that’s just as delicious.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on, about 4 pieces)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- ½ tbsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (or soy sauce, optional)
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
- Place chicken thighs in a zip-top bag.
- Add oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce (if using), and balsamic vinegar.
- Seal the bag and shake to coat the chicken evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight for deeper flavor).
2. Preheat the Air Fryer
- Set the air fryer to 375°F and preheat for 5 minutes.
3. Cook the Chicken
- Place chicken thighs skin-side up in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 25-28 minutes, until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Serve & Enjoy
- Serve immediately with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- For extra crispy skin, pat the chicken dry before seasoning.
- Boneless, skinless thighs? Reduce the cooking time to 18-20 minutes.
- No air fryer? Bake in the oven at 400°F for 35-40 minutes.
- Marinate overnight for the best flavor.
- To reheat: Air fry at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or bake at 375°F for 10 minutes.
