There’s something so satisfying about biting into perfectly crispy, golden chicken thighs with tender, juicy meat underneath. This Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Bone In Skin On recipe delivers the best of both worlds—crispy skin and moist chicken with minimal effort. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or hosting guests, this method makes it easy to serve a flavorful meal without the mess of deep frying.
The air fryer works magic by circulating hot air evenly around the chicken, creating that crispy exterior while locking in the juices. And the best part? It’s ready in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings when you need a dinner that feels indulgent but is secretly so simple.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to ensure extra crispiness.
- Season the chicken: Rub the chicken with olive oil, then season evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Arrange in the air fryer: Place the chicken thighs skin-side up in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook: Air fry for 22-25 minutes or until the skin is crispy and a meat thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Rest & Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving for maximum juiciness.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Chicken Thighs:
- Extra Crispy Skin: The air fryer locks in moisture while creating a golden, crunchy skin.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
- Flavorful: The simple seasoning blend adds just the right amount of bold flavor.
- Healthier: No extra oil needed compared to traditional frying methods.
Serving Suggestions:
These crispy chicken thighs pair beautifully with a variety of sides:
- Roasted Veggies: Try air fryer broccoli or asparagus for a balanced meal.
- Potato Perfection: Serve alongside air fryer potato wedges or a classic baked potato.
- Salads: A fresh garden salad with a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette works wonders here.
Recipe Tips & Variations:
- For Extra Flavor: Try a pinch of cayenne for heat or brush with BBQ sauce in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Bone-In Vs. Boneless: While this recipe uses bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, you can easily adapt it for boneless chicken thighs by reducing the cooking time by 5-7 minutes.
- Crispy Finish: If the skin isn’t as crispy as desired, air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or need a simple yet impressive main course, these Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Bone In Skin On deliver on flavor and ease. With their perfectly seasoned, crispy skin and tender, juicy meat, this recipe is sure to become a staple. Plus, it pairs beautifully with your favorite sides—think roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or even a fresh salad for a complete meal. Try it out tonight and see why boneless skinless chicken thigh recipes and air fryer fried chicken thighs are such a hit!
Call to Action:
This Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Bone In Skin On recipe is about to become your new go-to for easy, juicy, and perfectly seasoned chicken. Try it out and let me know how it turns out in the comments! Don’t forget to pin this recipe and save it for your next dinner inspiration!
