I love using my air fryer, and this Air Fryer Chicken Thighs recipe makes the perfect quick and easy dinner for the family! You don’t have to stand over a hot stovetop cooking dinner anymore. Let the air fryer do all the work; you still get all the credit for a great meal for the family!
Looking for some other fantastic air fryer recipes? These Air Fryer Diner Home Fries are so easy to make and super yummy, too! Or how about this Air Fryer Easy Garlic Bread? I mean, who doesn’t love hot out-of-the-oven garlic bread? It’s easy, it’s fabulously good and it will disappear at the dinner table, trust me! It is one of our favorite air fryer recipes.
I love cooking with chicken thighs; the dark meat is so much juicier and has so much more flavor than the white meat. Best of all, you can use bone-in chicken thighs or boneless chicken thighs, skin on or skin off. Whatever you have on hand or what is on sale at the grocer in this recipe.
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Ingredients For Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Other than the chicken thighs, all you really need is a handful of herbs and spices to make this incredible recipe! In fact, you likely have everything you need already in your pantry or spice cupboard, with the exception of the avocado oil. I have started to use avocado oil more often because of its many nutritional benefits. You can, however, substitute coconut oil, vegetable oil, or olive oil if you don’t have avocado oil on hand.
Ingredients
Chicken thighs – You can use boneless or bone-in chicken thighs in your air fryer. The cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the thighs, so make sure to check for doneness with an instant-read thermometer before serving.
Black pepper – I like to use freshly ground pepper rather than preground pepper when I am cooking. It tends to be fresher and more flavorful.
Kosher salt – If you are using salt in your cooking, you should always use Kosher salt. I like to use sea salt or flaked salt as a finishing salt. The only time I use Iodized salt is to melt the ice on my driveway in the winter; just kidding! LOL
Smoked paprika – The smoked paprika adds a nice flavor to the chicken, but you can substitute sweet paprika if you don’t have smoked.
Onion powder – Adds a hint of onion flavor to the recipe.
Garlic powder – Garlic is almost a required ingredient in most chicken recipes.
Dried oregano – Adds an earthly herb flavor that helps bump up the flavor of the chicken.
Avocado oil – Great oil to use in your air fryer, healthy too!
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
It’s a good idea to remove the chicken from the refrigerator 15 – 20 minutes before cooking. This allows the protein to come up to room temperature, which will result in more even cooking of the meat.
Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees F. Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl.
In a small bowl, combine the black pepper, Kosher salt, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and oregano. Sprinkle the herb and spice mixture over the chicken thighs. Then drizzle the avocado oil over the thighs.
Toss to coat the chicken thighs with the oil and herb spice mixture. Place the seasoned chicken thighs into the air fryer basket, skin side down.
Cook the chicken for 20 – 22 minutes, turning the thighs over halfway through the cooking time. The cooking time on these air fryer chicken thighs will vary. Because chicken thighs come in different sizes, and depending upon if you are cooking boneless or bone-in thighs, it may take less or more time to cook them.
Thermapen
You are looking for an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees F. I check the temperature with my Thermoworks Thermapen instant-read thermometer; it works great every time!!
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Checking the internal temperature of your chicken thighs will ensure that your thighs are cooked to perfection. Although it is more difficult to overcook the dark meat of the chicken thighs, it still can happen. Cooking them to the right temperature will give you perfectly tender and juicy thighs every single time!
Make sure also that you allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before cutting into it. You don’t want all those wonderful juices from the meat all over your plate.
Recipe Pro Tips!
What other herbs and spices can I use?
You can use any herbs and spices you like. Try adding some chili powder, paprika, or cumin to give your chicken a smoky flavor. For an Italian twist, add some dried oregano and basil. If you prefer a more Asian-style flavor, try adding some garlic powder, ginger, and sesame seeds.
Do I need to flip the chicken thighs while they cook?
Flipping the chicken thighs halfway through the cooking process can help ensure even browning on both sides. If the chicken thighs are thin, flipping may not be necessary.
Can I reheat my leftover air fryer chicken thighs?
Yes, you can reheat leftover air fryer chicken thighs in the air fryer or in the microwave. To reheat them, place them back into the air fryer at 350°F for 8-10 minutes or heat in the microwave on high power for 1-2 minutes.
How Can I Store the Chicken
The thighs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
WANT MORE FANTASTIC CHICKEN THIGH RECIPES?
Here at Noshing With The Nolands, we think one of the best parts of the chicken is the thighs! Check out these other great chicken thigh recipes!
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs bone-in or boneless
- 1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
Instructions
- Remove the chicken thighs from the refrigerator about 20 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature.
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F.
- Place the thighs in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, combine the black pepper, Kosher salt, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and oregano. Sprinkle the herbs and spices mixture over the chicken and toss to coat.
- Drizzle the avocado oil over the chicken thighs and toss them again to coat them in the oil.
- Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin side down.
- Cook for 20-22 minutes (turning halfway) or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the juices run clear.
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
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