Crispy chicken thighs are always a hit, but they don’t need to come with the hassle of deep frying or hours in the oven. The air fryer is the perfect solution for getting that golden, crispy exterior and juicy interior in just a fraction of the time. This recipe is quick, easy, and delivers amazing flavor without all the fuss.
With just a handful of simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, you can create a marinade that infuses the chicken with delicious seasonings. After letting the chicken soak up all those flavors, pop it in the air fryer for about 20 minutes, and you’ll have perfectly cooked chicken thighs, crispy on the outside, tender on the inside.
This recipe is incredibly versatile too. It pairs well with just about anything: rice, veggies, mashed potatoes, or a light salad. It’s one of those meals that makes getting dinner on the table fast and flavorful so much easier. Give it a try and enjoy a meal that’s as easy to make as it is to eat!
Ingredients
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1 kg chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on: These juicy, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are perfect for getting that crispy, golden finish in the air fryer.
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1.5 teaspoons salt: A pinch of salt to enhance all the flavors and make the chicken thighs perfectly seasoned.
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1/4 teaspoon dried parsley: Adds a touch of fresh, herbal flavor to the marinade, balancing the richness of the chicken.
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1/4 teaspoon dried oregano: This earthy, aromatic herb gives the chicken a subtle Mediterranean twist.
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A dash of black pepper adds just the right amount of heat and depth to the seasoning.
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1/8 teaspoon onion powder: Onion powder brings a mild, savory sweetness that complements the other spices perfectly.
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1/8 teaspoon garlic powder: A sprinkle of garlic powder adds a rich, savory flavor that’s irresistible with chicken.
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2 tablespoons olive oil: The olive oil helps the spices stick to the chicken and contributes to that beautiful golden crispiness.
Recipe Instructions
You can find a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
1. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, dried parsley, dried oregano, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and olive oil to make a marinade.
2. Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Toss to coat evenly, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour—or overnight for even more flavor.
3. When you’re ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3 to 5 minutes.
4. Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade and shake off any excess.
5. Place the thighs in the air fryer basket skin side down, making sure they’re in a single layer. Depending on your air fryer size, you might need to cook in batches.
6. Cook at 380°F (190°C) for 12 minutes.
7. Flip the chicken using tongs and cook for another 10 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crispy and the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C).
8. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
9. If you’d like, garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm with your favorite sides.
My Favorite Ways to Enjoy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
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Pair with Veggies: These chicken thighs are so good with a side of roasted or steamed veggies. Broccoli, carrots, green beans, anything that adds a little crunch and color to your plate!
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Toss on a Salad: Slice up the chicken and throw it on top of a fresh salad. Add some avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a light dressing, and you’ve got yourself a meal that’s fresh and filling.
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Wrap It Up: If you’re in the mood for something handheld, shred the chicken and pop it in a tortilla with your favorite toppings. I love adding lettuce, salsa, and a bit of sour cream for that perfect bite.
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Mash It Up: Chicken and mashed potatoes are a classic combo for a reason! The crispy skin of the chicken goes so well with that creamy, buttery mash, total comfort food.
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Make a Grain Bowl: For something a little more hearty, serve the chicken on top of quinoa, rice, or couscous. Throw in some roasted veggies and a drizzle of dressing, and you’ve got a filling grain bowl.
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Dip Away: Who doesn’t love a good dipping sauce? Whether it’s ranch, BBQ, or spicy buffalo, dunking those crispy thighs just takes them to the next level.
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Toss in Pasta: Want to switch things up? Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss it with some pasta and your favorite sauce. It’s like a cozy, satisfying pasta dish with a crunchy twist!
Serving & Storing
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Serving: These chicken thighs are perfect for a quick dinner, but they’re also great for meal prep! Serve them with your favorite sides, like rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad. I love adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a little extra pop when serving.
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Leftovers: If you have any leftovers (lucky you!), they store really well. Just let them cool down to room temperature, then pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. They’re great to reheat for another quick meal.
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Freezing: You can also freeze these chicken thighs! Let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat in the air fryer for that crispy texture all over again.
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Reheating: The air fryer is actually the best way to bring back that crispy skin when reheating. Just pop them in for a few minutes at 375°F (190°C) until they’re warmed through. It’s like they were just made!
FAQs
1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead?
Yes, you can! Just note that boneless, skinless thighs will cook a little faster, so keep an eye on them. You’ll still get that juicy, flavorful result, just without the crispy skin.
2. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way to tell is by using a meat thermometer. Chicken thighs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat. You’ll also want that skin nice and golden brown and crispy!
3. Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
Definitely! In fact, marinating the chicken for a few hours, or overnight, will make the flavors even more intense. Just be sure to store the marinated chicken in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
4. Can I cook other meats in the air fryer?
Absolutely! The air fryer works great with other meats like chicken breasts, pork chops, and even steak. Just adjust the cooking time based on the size and thickness of the meat.
5. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
The air fryer is your best bet for reheating leftovers. Set it to 375°F (190°C) and heat the chicken for a few minutes until it’s crispy and warmed through. It’ll taste just like it did fresh out of the fryer!
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
22 minutes
Total Time
32 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 kg chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the salt, dried parsley, dried oregano, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and olive oil to make a marinade.
- Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Toss to coat evenly, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour—or overnight for even more flavor.
- When you’re ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade and shake off any excess.
- Place the thighs in the air fryer basket skin side down, making sure they’re in a single layer. Depending on your air fryer size, you might need to cook in batches.
- Cook at 380°F (190°C) for 12 minutes.
- Flip the chicken using tongs and cook for another 10 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crispy and the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
- If you’d like, garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm with your favorite sides.