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Air fryer chicken thighs.
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5 from 2 votes

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs (Plus Variations!)

Craving a delicious and easy dinner option you can make in the air fryer? Look no further than this mouth-watering recipe for Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs. With a base seasoning recipe, as well as four additional flavor options, such as classic lemon pepper and savory teriyaki sauce, this recipe is perfect for everyone. Experiment with different flavor options and enjoy a new taste every time you make it.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Servings: 6 chicken thighs
Author: Caytlin McCleery

Ingredients

  • 6 chicken thighs skin-on, trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Heat air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for at least 5 minutes.
  • In a large mixing bowl or dish, place 6 chicken thighs, skin side up.
  • Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil over the chicken. Rub evenly over the skin to coat.
  • In a small bowl, mix2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
  • Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken, gently rubbing some of the seasoning under the skin for more flavor.
  • Place chicken thighs skin side down in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer.
  • Cook at 400°F (204°C) for 10–12 minutes.
  • Flip the chicken using tongs and cook for an additional 10–12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165–175°F (74–80°C) and the skin is crisp and browned.
  • Serve hot. Let rest for 2–3 minutes before serving for juicier meat.

Notes

Sauce and Seasoning Variations

Teriyaki Sauce:

  1. In a medium bowl, mix together 1/3 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, and 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger.
  2. Stir in 1 cup water, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 minced garlic clove.
  3. Marinate the chicken thighs in the mixture for 2-3 hours before cooking in the air fryer as directed. 

Simple BBQ Sauce:

  1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 teaspoons cornstarch, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika.
  2. Whisk in 1 cup tomato sauce, 1/4 cup molasses, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon hot sauce, and 3 minced garlic cloves.
  3. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, and let simmer for 15 minutes.
  4. Lightly salt and pepper the chicken thighs and baste with barbecue sauce before cooking them in the air fryer as directed. 

Salt and Vinegar

  1. In a large mixing bowl, stir together 2 cups distilled white vinegar, 1 cup water, 3 tablespoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper until dissolved.
  2. Add the raw chicken thighs and make sure they are completely submerged.
  3. Let soak in the refrigerator for 2 hours. Pat dry and sprinkle lightly with salt before cooking in the air fryer as directed. 

Lemon Pepper:

  1. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil and 1 tablespoon lemon pepper.
  2. Coat the chicken thighs with the mixture before cooking in the air fryer as directed. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1chicken thigh | Calories: 293kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 111mg | Sodium: 282mg | Potassium: 261mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 424IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1mg
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