🍗Air Fryer Chicken Thighs 🍗

January 29, 2025

🍗 Crispy Skin, Juicy Bites! ✨ Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe (Ready in 30 Minutes!) ⏱️

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Forget dry chicken—Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are here to save dinner! 🚨 With crispy, golden skin and succulent, flavorful meat, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or impressing guests with minimal effort. Plus, it’s healthier than frying and faster than baking. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe 💥

✅ Crispy skin without the oil splatter!
✅ Juicy meat every time (thanks, air fryer magic!).
✅ Ready in 30 minutes – no marinating needed!
✅ Budget-friendly – thighs are cheaper than breasts! 💸
✅ Versatile flavors – sweet, spicy, or smoky—your choice!

Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒

(Serves 4)

6-8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs 🍗
1 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter)
1.5 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary 🌿
1 tsp salt 🧂
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat 🌶️)
Cooking spray

(Pro tip: Add 1 tsp baking powder to the rub for ULTRA-CRISPY skin!)

Step-by-Step Instructions 📝

1️⃣ Prep the Chicken

Pat thighs completely dry with paper towels (this is KEY for crispy skin!).
In a bowl, mix olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, pepper, and cayenne.

2️⃣ Season Generously

Rub the spice mix all over the thighs, including under the skin. Let sit 10 minutes.

3️⃣ Air Fryer Setup

Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
Lightly spray the basket with oil.

4️⃣ Cook to Perfection

Place thighs skin-side down in a single layer (no overlapping!).
Cook for 12 minutes, flip to skin-side up, then cook 10-12 more minutes until skin is golden and internal temp reaches 175°F (80°C). 🌡️

5️⃣ Rest & Serve

Let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or a lemon wedge! 🍋

Pro Tips for Crispy Success 🌟

🔹 Dry the skin thoroughly – moisture is the enemy of crunch!
🔹 Use baking powder – it pulls moisture from the skin for next-level crispiness.
🔹 Flip halfway – ensures even browning.
🔹 Add sauce later – brush with BBQ, honey, or buffalo sauce in the last 5 minutes! 🍯
🔹 Don’t overcrowd – cook in batches if needed.

Serving Ideas 🍽️

Comfort Classic: Mashed potatoes + garlic green beans 🥔
Low-Carb Feast: Cauliflower rice + roasted Brussels sprouts 🥦
Meal Prep MVP: Shred meat for tacos, salads, or grain bowls! 🌮

Why Air Fryer Chicken Thighs? 🌈

Bone-in thighs are forgiving and flavorful—hard to overcook, packed with juicy fat, and perfect for air frying. The rapid hot air crisps the skin like a dream while keeping the meat tender. Plus, it’s hands-off and easy to customize!

Tag us in your crispy creations! 📸 Tried it? Share your twist below! 👇

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Love this? Try our [Air Fryer Chicken Wings] or [Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs] next! 🍴🔥