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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs: Easy 20-Minute Party Recipe

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Crispy, juicy air fryer chicken thighs with a perfect golden crust, ready in under 20 minutes. An easy, crowd-pleasing party recipe that’s simple to make with pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds or 900g)
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2g) black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon (3g) garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon (3g) paprika (smoked or sweet)
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2g) onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon (1g) dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon (0.5g) cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Remove chicken thighs from refrigerator about 15 minutes before cooking. Pat each thigh dry thoroughly with paper towels until skin feels tacky.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well.
  3. Add chicken thighs to the bowl and toss until each piece is evenly coated. Use hands to massage seasoning into the skin.
  4. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Place chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin-side down, ensuring they are not touching. Cook in batches if necessary.
  6. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes without opening the air fryer.
  7. After 10 minutes, carefully flip chicken thighs using tongs. Cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part (avoiding bone). Skin should be deep golden brown and crispy.
  8. Remove chicken from air fryer and transfer to a cutting board or serving platter. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  9. Arrange on a serving platter and serve warm or at room temperature. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

For extra crispy skin, pat chicken very dry and consider letting it sit uncovered in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before cooking. To keep cooked chicken warm while making batches, place on a wire rack over a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven for up to 30 minutes. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat in air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-4 minutes. Freeze cooled chicken in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months; reheat from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken thighs, easy chicken recipe, party chicken, quick chicken dinner, bone-in chicken thighs, air fryer recipe

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/crispy-air-fryer-chicken-thighs-easy-20-minute-party-recipe/