Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Updated May 26, 2025
This Air Fryer chicken thigh recipe can be made with seasoned bone-in thighs, or boneless thighs and is ready in 15-20 minutes depending on which you use.
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My Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Are So Good!
I’ve been making chicken thighs in the air fryer for years, and they seriously never get old. The skin gets crispy, the inside stays juicy, and the seasoning is simple but it’s great every time. Whether I’m using bone-in for that extra flavor or going with boneless when I need dinner on the table fast, this recipe is super reliable. Toss everything in a quick spice mix, air fry, and the chicken thighs are done.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Ingredients
- Chicken thighs: Whether you want to make this with boneless skinless chicken thighs or bone-in skin-on chicken thighs. Both work great but it will take just 5 minutes extra for the bone-in version.
- Seasonings: I use paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt and black pepper.
- Olive oil: Oil is used to help bind the seasonings to the chicken thighs but you don’t need much – just 1-2 teaspoons!
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Bone-in Chicken Thighs Before and After
Boneless Chicken Thighs Before and After
Air Fryer Chicken Thigh Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken thighs 4 bone-in with skin or 6 boneless skinless
- 2 teaspoons olive oil depending on bone-in or boneless
- 1 ½ teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Pat the chicken thighs with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs to the seasoning mixture and rub the chicken thighs with it on both sides.
- Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 15-20 minutes, depending on the chicken thighs being used (15 minutes for boneless and 20 minutes for bone- in) until cooked through or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Serve immediately with a salad or a side of your choice.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
If you try this Air Fryer Chicken Thighs recipe or any other recipe on Feel Good Foodie, please rate the recipe and leave a comment below! It helps others who are thinking of making the recipe.
Recipe Tips
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towel before adding to the spice mix. This will guarantee really crispy chicken. If they have too much moisture, they will steam and not get crispy.
- Use an instant read thermometer to cook the chicken. It should register at 165ºF. Undercooked chicken can be dangerous to eat and overcooked chicken can be dry, although because thighs contain more fat, they are harder to overcook.
Serving Ideas
- These chicken thighs are a great protein to serve alongside a salad, veggie or potato side for a well balanced meal. Try them with:
- Healthy Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- Avocado Fries
- Classic Caesar Salad
- Garlic Roasted Potatoes
FAQs
Before storing, let the chicken thighs cool to room temperature. Once cooled place them in an airtight container or resealable bag in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
Yes! Before storing, make sure to use a container or bag that is freezer-safe. To avoid the chicken sticking to other pieces, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then place the sheet in the freezer for about an hour. Once they become solid, you can put them in a storage container. Freeze for 2 to 3 months. Thaw chicken thighs in the fridge overnight. Once thawed you can reheat them back in the air fryer at 350 for 5-7 minutes until they’re heated through and crispy once again.
If the air fryer basket isn’t properly greased, or the chicken isn’t oiled enough then the chicken can stick. Using a non stick spray or parchment paper liner will also help to prevent sticking. To prevent the chicken from tearing, only flip it once and avoid moving them after that first flip.
Make sure to double check the internal temperature of the chicken thighs. Use an instant-read thermometer, and once the internal temp reaches 165 F, the chicken thighs are done and ready to enjoy.
More Air Fryer Recipes:
This air fryer chicken thighs recipe was originally published on June 6, 2020, and has recently been updated with new photography, step-by-step images, and recipe tips.
Comments
This was delicious! Bookmarked for later. Thanks for sharing!
Yay! So glad you loved it, Kerri! Thanks!!
Super delicious!!!
Thank you, so glad you liked it!!
I tried this recipe tonight and it was a big hit with our family. I will definitely make it again. It was so easy and so good.
Yay, so happy it was a hit with your family!! Thanks, Judy!
Just made this tonight for my family. My 14 yr old son is like a younger version of Gordon Ramsey….my toughest critic! Well….I’ll tell you what….he gobbled down about 4 chicken thighs! My husband did too! Flavor was on point and sooo juicy! Highly recommend this recipe!!!
Ha! So happy to hear these were a hit.
This was AMAZING!! As a busy SAHM of 2 under 5, Im always looking for easy wholesome recipes for my kiddos. THIS was just that! So good and so easy
Thank you so much, Shirley! I am so glad you liked the chicken thighs! I can relate to you for sure, my kids are a little older now, but I remember trying to cook when they were little. Speed and efficiency for the win! If you like the Air Fryer, another kid-friendly and quick recipe I’d love for you to try is my Air Fryer French Toast!
These were simple and delicious. Thank you!
So happy you liked them, Janice! Thank you!!
Yumma is my all time favorite blogger. She’s never made a recipe I didn’t love, this is my go to chicken for meal prep and it makes eating throughout the busy week so easy & delicious! Thank you!!
That is so kind of you to say! Thank you so, so much!
Second time making this chicken and I have to say it was even more delicious this time around! Super easy to put together for this busy mama of two. I adjusted recommended air fryer temp to 350 for 12 minutes since my air fryer can easily over cook things, the chicken was crispy and juicy. I really love this recipe!!
I love that! That’s perfect. Yay!!