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Cozy Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs: Easy Recipe

crispy air fryer chicken thighs - featured image
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These crispy air fryer chicken thighs are incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients, delivering perfectly golden, crackling skin and juicy meat in under 30 minutes. A cozy weeknight secret that feels special with almost no effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds total)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1½ teaspoons kosher salt (or 1 teaspoon table salt)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika works well)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional)

Instructions

  1. Take the chicken out of the fridge 20 minutes before cooking to let it come to room temperature.
  2. Pat the chicken thighs extremely dry with paper towels, using at least 3-4 paper towels and pressing firmly to remove all moisture.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together the kosher salt, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and any dried herbs if using.
  4. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken thighs and rub it evenly over each piece, both skin side and underside.
  5. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over both sides of each thigh, working it in with your fingers. Season the underside first, then flip and do the skin side.
  6. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes.
  7. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece to avoid overcrowding. Cook in batches if necessary.
  8. Cook at 380°F for 12 minutes without opening the basket.
  9. Carefully flip each thigh using tongs, being gentle to avoid tearing the skin.
  10. Cook for another 10-12 minutes at 380°F until the skin is deep golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 175-185°F.
  11. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

For extra crispy skin, let seasoned chicken sit uncovered in the fridge for 1 hour before cooking. If your air fryer runs hot or cold, check the chicken a few minutes early the first time. To reheat leftovers, use the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it will make the skin rubbery.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken thighs, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, gluten-free chicken, keto chicken, low-carb chicken

Find it online: https://platebelle.com/cozy-crispy-air-fryer-chicken-thighs-easy-recipe/