I am loving my air fryer and I needed to try some easy meat recipes. Summer is coming and I see the air fryer as a great solution for those days when it’s so hot you don’t even want to step outside to grill! And when I have chicken I prefer dark meat, so air fryer chicken thighs were a logical choice.
I also see chicken thighs as automatic portion control. One thigh is just enough meat for me, and I don’t feel the need to have any more than one.
Ingredients needed
- Chicken thighs – the recipe makes 4 but depending upon the size of the thighs and of your air fryer basket, you might need to do these in batches.
- Olive oil
- Spices
How to air fry chicken thighs
Chicken thighs are delicious with a simple spice rub added before cooking. I don’t use any sweetener in the spice rub which keeps it healthy, low carb and keto friendly.
I have used two different air fryers for this: the Instant Pot Air Fryer lid and the Ninja Countertop Oven. Surprisingly, the same times and temperatures work for both. But as always, use these directions as a guide, as your air fryer settings may vary.
I also consider a meat thermometer pretty important for this. Just like for grilling, it is sometimes difficult to know whether your meat is truly cooked all the way through. Checking with a meat thermometer is a great way to check to be sure.
With that in mind, simply oil the meat a little with olive oil, mix up the spice blend and then sprinkle it over the thighs.
Place the thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. For the Instant Pot lid, that is usually 3 thighs. One reason I love my newer Ninja countertop oven is how big the basket is - it can handle a much larger batch!
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Air fry for 18 minutes at 400F. Check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer to verify that the temp is at least 165F. if needed, air fry for an additional 4 minutes until fully cooked.
(Note: It is possible to air fry all 4 chicken thighs at once in a smaller basket, by overlapping slightly. I know this because the packages I buy contain 4 thighs. When the thighs overlap they need an extra 5 minutes or so of cooking time and the skin is a little less crispy, but it is an option. Just verify with the meat thermometer that the meat is fully cooked.)
Serving Suggestions
My preferred way to serve these is to add a simple salad and/or vegetable. It makes an easy, healthy and satisfying meal.
Mashed potatoes or rice would pair with this chicken for a satisfying dinner.
You could also create flavorful chicken tacos by shredding the meat and adding your favorite toppings.
Chicken thighs are such a versatile cut of meat! Stock up a bunch so you can also try this sous vide chicken thigh recipe.
Looking for more low carb meal ideas? Take a look at these!
More Air Fryer recipes to love
📖 Recipe
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Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs bone-in, skin on
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika smoked
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Pat dry the chicken thighs with a paper towel. Brush the skin side of each with olive oil and place skin side down on a plate.4 chicken thighs, 2 teaspoons olive oil
- In a small cup, combine the spices and sprinkle half evenly over the 4 pieces of meat. Turn them over and sprinkle the remaining seasoning on top.1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Place thighs in air fryer basket in a single layer, skin side up.
- Air fry 18 minutes at 400F. Use a meat thermometer to verify that the internal temperature of the largest thigh is at least 165 degrees F. If needed, air fry an additional 3-4 minutes to complete cooking and for crispier skin.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Erica
Chicken thighs are such a perfect air fryer food, and this simple recipe is a great, cheap way to prep them!
Sula
Yes this is my go-to whenever I don't have much time to plan something more complicated!
Angela Pagliarello
I love making chicken thighs in the air fryer, perfect every time with this recipe!
Sula
Awesome, this is definitely a go-to for me!
Claire
I made these for dinner last night and they were so easy! We had cut up with some bread rolls, salad and slaw.
Such an easy dinner!!!
THANK YOU
Sula
Easy is definitely the word!
Sherry Ronning
Your air fryer chicken thighs recipe is the BOMB!!! I love the crispy skin and the flavor was spot on!! My family requested that I make your chicken recipe again.
Sula
It's so easy, I have it in my regular rotation!
Kristen Greazel
We made these for dinner over the weekend and these were so tasty!
Sula
I'm so glad you enjoyed them - thanks for letting me know!
Raquel
A great chicken recipe for the air fryer! So juicy!
Sula
Thank you, I love chicken when it is juicy and full of flavor!
Emily Flint
I love how these chicken thighs turned out in my air fryer. I may never make these in the oven again!!
Sula
Same for me!
Will
Eating TONS of grilled chicken since watching my diet and working out. This will be a nice way to mix it up. Thanks for the recipe!
Sula
Yes it's a really healthy way to make your chicken!
Oscar
I love air fryer recipes like this.
Sula
Me too! Easy and straightforward!
Amanda
These came out perfectly! Such a great way to use my air fryer. I’ll definitely cook chicken thighs with this method again.
Sula
Thanks I'm so glad you enjoyed them!
Vincit
I've had these. They are excellent!
Sula
Easy, fast and good - can't beat that combo!