Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe (Extra Crispy) - Happy Foods Tube (2024)

Looking for easy weeknight dinner ideas? Try this air fryer chicken thighs recipe. With quick preparation and only 7 basic ingredients, this is the perfect dinner for busy families.

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Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe (Extra Crispy) - Happy Foods Tube (1)

This air fryer chicken thighs recipe is one of the easiest ways to prepare a delicious weeknight dinner without having to be standing by the stove for ages. Serve these juicy chicken thighs with anything you like.

I have included some easy side recipes in the FAQs section, in case you need some inspiration.

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe (Extra Crispy) - Happy Foods Tube (2)

How to make chicken thighs in air fryer

You will need:

  • Chicken thighs – bone-in, skinless (or skin-on)
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Paprika
  • Ginger
  • Garlic powder
  • Oil in spray – this is not needed with skin-on thighs

Equipment and tools:

  • Air fryer
  • Small bowl & dessert spoon (or fork, knife…) – for mixing the spice rub

There are barely 3 steps to this recipe. First, mix all the seasoning in a small bowl. Then, coat each piece of chicken evenly with the mix (both sides). You should use all the seasoning for 4 thighs.

Air fryer chicken thighs are then cooked for 15-20 minutes. I also spray them with oil and turn them over halfway through the cooking time. The best temperature is 400°F (200°C).

If you are not sure that your airfryer chicken thighs are done (or any air fryer chicken recipes), I recommend using a food thermometer. Stick it in and if it reads 165°F (75°C) you can take them out and serve.

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe (Extra Crispy) - Happy Foods Tube (3)

Can you stack chicken thighs in an air fryer?

Unfortunately, you can’t. The important thing to remember when cooking in an air fryer is that the food you put in should have room around it so that the air can circulate and cook it evenly.

For this reason, you might need to cook your dinner/snack or appetizers in 2 or more batches when you have a large crowd to feed.

A 5.8-quart (5.5-liter) air fryer is able to cook 4-5 chicken thighs (when making these chicken thighs in air fryer I used 4 pieces but, could have fitted one more) or 3-4 chicken breasts, depending on their size.

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe (Extra Crispy) - Happy Foods Tube (4)

Frequently asked questions:

How long does it take to cook chicken thighs in an air fryer?

Cooking time will depend on the type of your air fryer as well as chicken thighs (larger will take longer than smaller). Count with about 20 minutes (if you want to have a crispy skin, cook for longer).

Do you have to flip the chicken in air fryer?

That depends. You don’t need to flip if it has skin on (make sure to cook it skin-side up) but if it doesn’t, then I do recommend turning it over around half-way through the cooking process.

What to make with chicken thighs?

I like serving these air fryer chicken thighs withwedge saladandparmesan roasted potatoes.

But you can serve them with anything you like: rice, orzo salad, barley risotto,…

Expert tips

  • Like I’ve already mentioned, it’s important that the air fryer is not overcrowded with food so it can cook evenly.
  • I always pre-heat my air-fryer for 2 minutes by setting the time and temperature manually. You may have a model that does the preheating by pressing a button or maybe it’s not required. Always read the manual for the best cooking results.
  • Seasoning – this is a simple recipe for air fryer chicken thighs using only a few ingredients. For this reason, I do not recommend omitting any of the ingredients.

If you are looking for air fryer dessert recipes, I have two for you: hand pies and cinnamon rolls.

I also like ham & jalapeno air fryer pinwheels that are made with puff pastry so if you are planning on entertaining at home, you could give it a go. We love those!

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe (Extra Crispy) - Happy Foods Tube (5)

More chicken recipes you might like:

  • Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs
  • Sticky Hoisin Chicken Wings
  • Instant Pot Chicken Chasseur
  • Crispy Chicken Tenders
  • Chicken Paprikash

Watch how to make it

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe (Extra Crispy) - Happy Foods Tube (6)

Print Pin

4.88 from 31 votes

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Looking for easy weeknight dinner ideas? Try this air fryer chicken thighs recipe. With quick preparation and only 7 basic ingredients, this is the perfect dinner for busy families.

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time15 minutes mins

Total Time20 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Calories: 130

Ingredients

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Instructions

  • In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika and ginger. Rub this onto each chicken thigh on both sides.

  • Place the chicken thighs into a pre-heated air fryer, spray with cooking oil and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes, then turn them over and cook for a further 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

  • Serve with a side of your choice.

Video

Notes

  1. This recipe was developed for a 5.8 quart (5.5 liter) air fryer.
  2. Always make sure the chicken is cooked through (the food thermometer has to read 165°F/75°C) and always check the thickest piece.
  3. I used 4 chicken thighs that weighed 1.5 pounds (680 grams) in total.
  4. The cooking time may vary slightly. This will depend on the size of the thighs as well as on the air fryer (different brands may have slightly different cooking times).
  5. For more information on this recipe as well as tips about air fryers or if in doubt, I recommend reading the full post.

Course: Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Air fryer chicken thighs, Air Fryer Recipes, Crispy chicken thighs

Nutrition Facts

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Amount per Serving

Calories

130

% Daily Value*

Fat

4

g

6

%

Saturated Fat

1

g

6

%

Sodium

674

mg

29

%

Potassium

295

mg

8

%

Carbohydrates

2

g

1

%

Fiber

1

g

4

%

Sugar

1

g

1

%

Protein

20

g

40

%

Vitamin A

591

IU

12

%

Calcium

12

mg

1

%

Iron

1

mg

6

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

** As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Tried this recipe?Follow @happyfoodstube and tag #happyfoodstube

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Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe (Extra Crispy) - Happy Foods Tube (2024)

FAQs

Why isn t my chicken getting crispy in the air fryer? ›

Dry the outside of the food properly before you add oil. Do not use too much oil, as this will make the food less crispy and more fattening. Meat or poultry can be lightly brushed with oil or marinated to get the crispiest results.

How do you make crispy skin in an air fryer? ›

Place a sheet of parchment paper over the chicken skin and a flat ceramic plate to keep the chicken skins flat (if you are ok with them curling up, you can omit this step). Air fry at 350F for 15 minutes or until the skin is crispy. Season the Chicken Skin Chips (Cracklings) with your favorite seasonings!

How to crisp up breaded chicken in air fryer? ›

If you happen to own an air fryer, you can certainly reheat your fried chicken in its basket. Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and let the fried chicken come to room temperature. Next, arrange the fried chicken in a single layer and cook it for about four minutes, flipping it once to ensure even cooking.

Can I cook chicken thighs from frozen in an air fryer? ›

It is not necessary to thaw the frozen chicken thighs before air frying them. You can cook them directly from frozen. This saves time and allows for a hassle-free cooking process.

Should I coat chicken in oil before air frying? ›

A very light coating of oil before you place your chicken in the fryer and midway through should get rid of all the flour. If a light coating of oil is not enough, then there is too much flour on the chicken. My chicken is not done after the allotted time. Cook it longer and use a meat thermometer.

What oil is best for crispy air fryer? ›

And they tolerate high heat well. For example, deodorized avocado oil, organic virgin sesame oil and grapeseed oil are good choices. Other oils are fragrant and have a stronger taste.

How to get crispy skin on chicken? ›

If you are cooking on the stovetop, heat the oil in an oven-safe skillet, such as a cast iron skillet, almost to the point of smoking, then sear the chicken, skin side down, until it's nice and crisp. Once the skin is crispy, flip the chicken pieces and finish out the rest of the cooking in a 400° to 450° F oven.

How long does it take to cook thighs in an air fryer? ›

Set the air fryer to a temperature of around 375°F (190°C) and cook the chicken thighs for approximately 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the thighs and the specific model of your air fryer.

How do you make crispy batter in an air fryer? ›

Corn Starch– helps deepen the color of the batter as it cooks and creates a crispy texture. Baking Powder– Helps create an airy batter with loads of crispy nooks and crannies. Oil Spray – you need oil to fry chicken, even in an air fryer.

Why is my breaded chicken not browning in air fryer? ›

Solution #2: Add a Little Fat. I know what you're probably thinking. “The whole point of an air fryer is to use less fat!” But consider this: Fat promotes browning and can help food to crisp up.

Can you put foil in an air fryer? ›

The great news about air fryers is that you can use foil along with parchment paper to cook your food in an air fryer. Just remember that if it's safe and effective to use in a conventional oven, it will work just fine in an air fryer.

Is it better to air fry frozen or thawed chicken? ›

It is perfectly safe to air fry chicken that is still frozen; you do not need to spend time thawing it out. Instead, season the frozen chicken with herbs and oil and place it in a single layer in your air fryer's basket, and then cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

Is it OK to cook chicken thighs from frozen? ›

Fortunately, we can all take a collective sigh of relief, because the USDA says it is fine to cook chicken from frozen, just keep in mind that the cooking time will be about 50 percent longer. However, chicken should never be cooked from frozen in a slow cooker or microwave.

Why is my air fryer not making my food crispy? ›

Why is my food not crispy in an air fryer? If your food is not crispy when coming out of an air fryer, you may not have patted it dry before putting it in to cook. Meat or proteins, or foods you may have washed, will fry better without the added moisture.

Why is my chicken not crispy when I fry it? ›

If your oil temp is too high, your fried chicken will be scorched on the outside with meat that is undercooked. If the oil is too cool, your chicken will be greasy and will lack the golden-brown crispy exterior you want.

Why is my air fryer chicken so dry? ›

The #1 tip for the best chicken breasts in an air fryer is: Don't overcook them! Chicken breasts should be cooked to 160°F, but if you cook them all the way to that temperature in the air fryer, carryover cooking will take them beyond that temp and cause them to dry out.

Why is my air fryer chicken soggy? ›

Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. This can prevent the chicken from heating evenly and result in soggy chicken. Use tongs to flip the chicken halfway through cooking.

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