Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

This post may contain affiliate links.

This Air Fryer Chicken Thighs recipe proves how our new favourite machines can produce mouthwatering results in no time. It’s another example of basics made perfect, giving you succulent, crispy chicken every time.

A close up of golden chicken thighs in a pan.

I am finding that air fryer recipes really come into their own when using them to elevate basic ingredients, and this Air Fryer Chicken Thighs has to be one of my favourites.

Chicken thighs are almost always more affordable than chicken breasts, so this method is really handy for money saving shopping (aren’t we ALL trying to save money on our groceries right now?!)

Simply rub with a coating and let the air fryer do the work. Follow my tips and tricks to get them perfect, every time.

Why you’ll love this Easy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs recipe

⭐️ Low effort = big results

⭐️ Quick meal or batch cook ahead for adding to packed lunches, salads or pastas

⭐️ Lots of flavour and perfectly cooked chicken

A white plate on a white surface with a tea towel and 4 chicken thighs ready to eat.

Bone In VS Boneless / Skin On VS Skinless Chicken

This recipe uses bone in, skin on chicken thighs as they tend to hold the most flavour, especially when it comes to crisping up the skin. This cut also tends to be cheaper, which is an added bonus.

If you really don’t want to do this and would rather use skinless and boneless thighs, just follow the recipe as normal but reduce the overall cooking time by about 5 minutes (still turning them half way.)

If you’d rather use breast meat, follow my Air Fryer Chicken Breasts recipe instead.

How to know when they’re cooked

Please note that the cooking time will depend on the size and shape of your chicken thighs. If in doubt, check your meat thermometer to make sure they’re cooked through.

(The ideal cooking temperature for chicken is 74°C/165F, according to Thermapen – my go-to thermometer-makers. There’s also more cooking time information here.)

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Ingredients

Ingredients laid out on a white counter, including a plate of four chicken thighs with skin on, a jug of oil, and paprika, garlic granules and oregano.

Chicken thighs – Bone in and skin on. See recipe notes below for how many to cook at once.
For the coating – Paprika, garlic granules, oregano, olive oil.

Leftovers

In the fridge You can make a batch of chicken thighs that you can use for up to 3 days. Slice up for sandwiches, salads or in other recipes.

You can enjoy the chicken cold or reheated (until it’s piping hot) – just add a tiny bit of water over your thighs before reheating to rehydrate them a little.

In the freezer You could cook and freeze the chicken thighs if you like (as long as they haven’t already been frozen), but they will be a little dry after being defrosted and not as good as when fresh.

How to get crispy skin on Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

This recipe should give you crispy skin, but if you want to make it EVEN CRISPIER, dry the chicken skin with some kitchen roll about an hour before you’re ready to cook it, then place it, uncovered (whilst still observing food hygiene rules of course), on a plate in the fridge.

This will allow the skin to dry out even more before rubbing the seasoned oil mix onto it.

More simple air fryer recipes…

FAQs

Do you need to preheat the air fryer for chicken thighs?

Yes, make sure it’s up to temperature at 180℃/350F or you might not get your cooking times quite right.

How many chicken thighs can I cook at once?

This will depend on the size of your air fryer. You can cook as many thighs as can fit in one layer, but make sure they’re not overcrowded or they won’t cook evenly.

Can you recommend a good air fryer?

The one in these photos is a Russell Hobbs XXL one.

I’ve tested 3 air fryers now, and while I’m not saying that this one is THE BEST EVER, I’m really happy with it. It’s easy to fit in the dishwasher, not too expensive and has a basket large enough for 4 people.

Let me know how you got on and what you thought of these recipes. Please rate the recipe using the ⭐️ below.

Also I’d LOVE to see your cooking creations. If you’d like to share yours with me, you can tag me on Instagram (@tamingtwins).

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Preheat your air fryer to 180℃/350F (this usually takes 5 – 10 minutes depending on the model).
Pat the chicken skin dry with a piece of kitchen towel and set to one side.
Mix the spices and olive oil together, along with a pinch of salt and pepper, and rub all over the chicken thighs.
Place the chicken thighs skin side down in a single later and cook for 10 minutes, then turn them so they are skin side up and cook for 10 minutes more.
Leave to rest for a few minutes before serving.

For best results: Preheat the air fryer, don’t overcrowd the grill, and turn once half way.
Storing: You can make a batch of chicken that you can use for up to 3 days. Slice up for sandwiches, salads or use in other recipes. Keep refrigerated.
If using skinless, boneless thighs: Reduce cooking time by 5 minutes.
Check internal temperature: If in doubt, check your meat thermometer to make sure they’re cooked through.

Calories: 341kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 24gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 142mgSodium: 113mgPotassium: 337mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.1gVitamin A: 618IUVitamin C: 0.04mgCalcium: 26mgIron: 2mg