Description
This Air Fryer Chicken Thighs recipe delivers perfectly crispy skin and juicy, tender meat using a simple blend of spices and olive oil. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s an easy and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and crispy skin.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve crispier skin during cooking.
- Mix the Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper thoroughly to create a flavorful spice blend.
- Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken thighs evenly with olive oil, then coat them thoroughly with the prepared seasoning mix to ensure maximum flavor.
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket, making sure they are spaced out for proper air circulation.
- Cook the Chicken: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12 minutes. Flip the chicken thighs and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) measured with a meat thermometer.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute for moist, tender meat.
Notes
- For crispier skin, ensure the chicken is patted very dry before seasoning.
- Adjust seasoning amounts based on your spice preference.
- Cooking times may vary depending on the size of chicken thighs and air fryer model.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Resting the meat after cooking helps retain juices for better flavor and texture.