You can make just about anything in the air fryer. Sandwiches, salmon, vegetables, bacon, burgers, hot dogs, baked potatoes – it doesn’t matter, they can most likely be air fried. But when it comes to cooking chicken, many people still avoid the air fryer and opt for the oven or stovetop, usually because that’s what they’re most used to or because they don’t don’t believe that the air fryer can successfully cook chicken the way they want. he. In fact, cooking your chicken using this method is one of the easiest and tastiest ways to do it, and we have the perfect recipe for cooking the best air fryer chicken thighs you’ve ever had .
So why is the air fryer a perfect way to cook chicken thighs? On the one hand, it is one of the simplest methods. All you have to do is turn it on, place the thighs in the basket, set the timer and go about your business. Beyond its simplicity, the air fryer also cooks food using a convection method, which circulates hot air to cook food. This results in foods that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. In other words, there’s nothing better than having crispy, juicy chicken thighs that you can prepare with just the press of a button.
To learn more about making the perfect air fryer chicken thighs, we chatted with Isla Zoey, owner of Air Fryer Charger, to get its simple recipe. Read on to learn how to make your own chicken thighs in the air fryer, then check out the 11 Best Air Fryer Recipes for Weight Loss.
Gather your ingredients.

Before cooking your chicken thighs, grab your chicken and the seasonings you will use. For her air fryer chicken thighs, Zoey uses the following ingredients:
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
You can substitute some of these spices for others you like or use any pre-prepared spices you have on hand. The important thing is that you have your air fryer, your chicken thighs, your oil, and some sort of seasoning for flavor.
Prepare the chicken thighs.


- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Set the chicken thighs aside.
- Prepare the seasoning. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Omit this step if using a packaged spice blend.
- Rub the chicken thighs with olive oil, making sure they are well coated, and sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken thighs, rubbing it into the skin and meat.
- If you’re cooking chicken thighs with the skin on, Zoey says you can “spray the chicken with cooking spray before air frying for even crispier skin.”
RELATED: How to Make Air Fryer Ribs That Fall Off the Bone
Cook the chicken thighs in the air fryer.


Once your chicken is seasoned, it’s time to cook it!
- Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not overlap. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid crowding.
- Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, then turning the thighs.
- Continue to cook for another 12 to 15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees and the skin is crisp and golden brown.
Let the chicken rest before serving.


Once your chicken thighs are fully cooked, remove them from the fryer and “let them rest for 5 minutes before serving,” says Zoey. “This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy.”
Additional tips to remember.


Now that your air fried chicken thighs are ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy! I served mine with rice and a homemade kale Caesar salad, and Zoey adds that you can also “serve with sides like roasted vegetables, salad, or mashed potatoes.”
Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken is completely cooked.
Serve with your favorite sides, like roasted vegetables, salad or mashed potatoes.
Samantha Boesch
Samantha was born and raised in Orlando, Florida, and now works as a writer in Brooklyn, New York. Learn more about Samantha
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