Description
Succulent air fryer chicken thighs deliver crispy, golden perfection with minimal effort. Juicy meat and crackling skin make this recipe a quick, delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
Seasonings:
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
Cooking Essentials:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 spray cooking spray
Instructions
- Blend all dry seasonings in a small mixing bowl, creating a uniform spice blend that will enhance the chicken’s flavor profile.
- Pat chicken thighs completely dry using paper towels, ensuring no excess moisture remains which could prevent crispy skin.
- Drizzle olive oil over the chicken thighs, then thoroughly massage the seasoning mixture into every surface of the meat, coating each thigh evenly.
- Lightly spritz the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent potential sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Arrange seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap or touch each other for optimal air circulation.
- Configure the air fryer to 380°F and cook for 18-22 minutes, rotating the basket halfway through to guarantee uniform browning and consistent internal temperature.
- Verify doneness by checking that the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh.
- Allow the chicken to rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking, which helps redistribute juices and maintains maximum tenderness before serving.
Notes
- Achieve crispy skin by thoroughly drying chicken thighs with paper towels, removing all surface moisture before seasoning.
- Customize spice blend by experimenting with different dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or smoked paprika to suit personal taste preferences.
- Prevent chicken from sticking by using a light cooking spray and avoiding overcrowding in the air fryer basket, which ensures even cooking and beautiful golden-brown results.
- Guarantee food safety by always checking internal temperature with a meat thermometer, ensuring chicken reaches the critical 165°F mark for perfectly cooked, juicy meat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-22 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 575 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg