Air Fryer Chicken Thighs: Crispy, Juicy & Ready in 20 Minutes

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There is nothing quite like biting into Air Fryer Chicken Thighs that is perfectly juicy on the inside. This recipe transforms humble ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal without the grease or mess of deep frying. If you are looking for an easy weeknight chicken dinner, this method delivers consistent results every single time, making it a staple for busy families who want delicious food fast.

This dish is naturally a high-protein low-carb meal, making it ideal for various dietary needs. Whether you are serving a crowd or need a meal-prep friendly protein for your lunch salads, these thighs are versatile and flavorful. By using the air fryer, we cut the cooking time in half compared to an oven, giving you a 30-minute air fryer dinner that tastes like it took hours to prepare.

Recipe Key Information

• Difficulty: Easy
• Preparation Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Resting Time: 5 minutes
• Servings: 4 People
• Estimated Cost: Affordable

Ingredients

To make these juicy garlic-herb chicken thighs, you only need simple pantry staples. The key is the spice blend that creates the crust.

• 4 Chicken thighs (Bone-in and skin-on yield the best results)
• 1 tbsp Olive oil (or avocado oil)
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Onion powder
• 1 tsp Smoked paprika (regular paprika works too)
• 1/2 tsp Dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper

Equipment Required

• Air Fryer (Basket style or oven style)
• Meat Thermometer (Essential for safety)
• Kitchen Tongs

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Follow these steps for the perfect one-pan air fryer chicken thighs.

1. Dry the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the package and pat them completely dry with paper towels. This is the most important step for achieving crispy skin.
2. Mix the Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Season: Rub the olive oil all over the chicken thighs. Sprinkle the seasoning mix generously over the chicken, ensuring you coat all sides and get some under the skin if possible.
4. Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
5. Cook: Place the thighs in the air fryer basket, skin-side down, in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket. Cook for 10 minutes.
6. Flip: Flip the chicken over (skin-side up) and cook for another 8-10 minutes.
7. Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
8. Rest: Remove from the air fryer and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This keeps the juices inside.

Chef’s Tips and Variations

This recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some tips to ensure success and ideas for bone-in or boneless air fryer thighs.

Making it Extra Crispy

If you want the skin to shatter when you bite it, ensure the skin is completely dry before adding oil. You can also add a pinch of baking powder to the spice rub, which helps crisp up the skin even more.

Bone-in vs. Boneless

We recommend bone-in, skin-on thighs for this recipe because they stay juicy. However, you can use boneless thighs. If you do, reduce the cooking time to roughly 10-12 minutes total, as they cook much faster. For more inspiration on boneless cuts, check our Chicken Breast Recipes Boneless.

Serving Suggestions

This is a gluten-free air fryer chicken dish that pairs with almost anything. For a complete meal, try serving these with:

• Glazed Carrots: A sweet side that balances the savory chicken. Get the recipe here.
• Crack Green Beans: A flavorful veggie side. Get the recipe here.
• Smashed Potatoes: For a hearty option, try our Smashed Green Onion Potato Bombs.

If you are looking for something different later in the week, you can use leftover chicken in our Cajun White Chicken Chili or shred it on top of a Tzatziki Chicken Pizza.

Storage and Meal Prep

These thighs are perfect for a high-protein slow cooker meal prep alternative. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to crisp the skin back up.

Nutrition Information

This recipe is naturally keto-friendly and low-carb. Chicken thighs are an excellent source of protein and healthy fats.

• Calories: ~260 kcal
• Protein: ~20g
• Carbs: <1g
• Fat: ~18g

If you are strictly following a high-protein diet, you might also enjoy our High Protein Buffalo Chicken Dip or our Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken Recipe.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy this recipe for keto-friendly chicken thighs. It is fast, affordable, and incredibly delicious. It proves that healthy eating does not have to be complicated or time-consuming.

If you tried this recipe, please leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to share your photos on social media and tag us.

For more visual inspiration and recipe ideas, make sure to follow us on Pinterest: HanaEats on Pinterest.

Also, if you are planning your next meal, don’t miss our Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole for breakfast or the Pretzel Chicken with Mustard Cheddar Sauce for another dinner favorite.

Frequently Asked Questions

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