Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs will cook faster, so reduce the cooking time to about 10-12 minutes total. You won't get that crispy skin, but they'll still be delicious. Check the internal temperature to ensure they reach 165°F.

My air fryer is small. Can I stack the chicken thighs?

For best results, avoid stacking. If you need to cook more than will fit in a single layer, it's better to cook in batches. Stacking prevents proper air circulation, which is what creates that wonderful crispy exterior.

How do I know when the chicken thighs are done without a meat thermometer?

While a meat thermometer is the most reliable method, you can also check by cutting into the thickest part of a thigh. The meat should be opaque with no pink remaining, and the juices should run clear. However, investing in an inexpensive meat thermometer is highly recommended for perfect results every time.

Can I make this recipe with a different seasoning blend?

Definitely! Chicken thighs are incredibly versatile. Try Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, taco seasoning, or simply salt and pepper. The basic cooking method remains the same regardless of which seasonings you choose.

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe

Name: Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs (skin-on, bone-in); 1 lemon, juiced; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp dried parsley; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper

Description

A quick and flavorful recipe for juicy and crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs. Marinated with zesty lemon juice and seasoned to perfection with a blend of spices, these chicken thighs are cooked to golden-brown deliciousness. Perfect for busy weeknights, this is the ultimate go-to recipe for a quick and satisfying main course. The air fryer makes the process easy and ensures crispy skin without the need for extra oil.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 chicken thighs (skin-on, bone-in)
1 lemon, juiced

Seasoning

1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried parsley
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken
Drizzle the lemon juice over the chicken thighs to add a zesty flavor and help the seasoning stick. Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to ensure the skin becomes crispy during cooking.
Mix the Seasoning
In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, oregano, salt, and black pepper. This combination of spices will create a flavorful coating for the chicken.
Season the Chicken
Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs, ensuring every piece is fully coated for maximum flavor.
Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F for 5 to 10 minutes to ensure even cooking. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy outer layer.
Cook the Chicken (Skin-Side Down)
Place the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, skin-side down. Cook at 400 degrees F for 12 minutes. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking.
Flip and Continue Cooking
Carefully flip the chicken thighs using tongs and cook for an additional 12 to 15 minutes. Check that the internal temperature has reached 165 degrees F using an instant-read thermometer.
Rest and Serve
Remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and place them on a serving platter. Let them rest for 5 minutes to ensure the juices are evenly distributed. Serve the chicken thighs hot and enjoy!

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken thighs, ensuring it reaches a minimum of 165 degrees F for food safety.
Patting the chicken dry before adding lemon juice helps the skin achieve extra crispiness in the air fryer.
Experiment with different seasoning blends for variety—Mexican spice blends for a bold flavor or Mediterranean herbs for a light, aromatic profile.
For the crispiest results, flip the chicken thighs halfway through cooking.
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. If necessary, cook the chicken thighs in batches.
For even juicier chicken, marinate the thighs for a few hours in your favorite chicken marinade before air frying.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
Calories: 250kcal
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 21g
Cholesterol: 100mg