Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

5 from 4 votes
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Air fryer chicken thighs are just what you need for a quick flavorful dinner. Made in less than 30 minutes, this chicken thigh recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight meal.

Make this a full meal with a side of air fryer vegetables and baked potatoes.

chicken thighs on a plate with lemons


 

I am all about quick and simple meals like these turkey meatballs and this shrimp and sausage meal.

These boneless skinless chicken thighs in the air fryer have moved up to one of my top favorite meals to make for the family. Everyone loves how flavorful they are and the best part is that it only takes minutes to prepare and cook.

Why this recipe works

  • Budge friendly, delicious meal that works for the whole family.
  • Delicious protein and can be used for meal prep throughout the week.
  • No breading needed, this chicken is packed with flavor.

Ingredients needed

  • Chicken thighs – I am using boneless, skinless thighs. You can also use bone-in chicken thighs with skin.
  • Olive oil – This helps to prevent sticking and also achieving the golden brown color.
  • Lemon juice – Adds a nice fresh flavor to the chicken.
  • Seasonings – Lemon pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and salt. You can use your favorite seasoning blend like this simple chicken seasoning, jerk seasoning, taco seasoning and more.

How to make air fryer chicken thighs

Scroll to the bottom for full printable recipe, ingredients and video. 

  1. Prepare: Preheat air fryer for 2-5 minutes. Pat chicken dry and then brush the olive oil over the chicken. Squeeze lemon juice over the chicken.
  2. Spices: In a small bowl, mix together lemon pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Sprinkle and rub spices all over the chicken thighs.
  3. Cook: Place chicken thighs in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken thighs. Check to make sure the internal temperature reaches at least 165 degrees F. Use a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh to check the temperature of the chicken.
spices in bowl, chicken thighs with spices, cooked chicken thighs

Recipe tips

  • Be sure to pat the chicken dry with a paper towel before adding the oil and seasoning. This helps to get a crispier thigh.
  • Don’t stack the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, place them in a single layer. It is important for the hot air to be able to circulate around the chicken so it cooks evenly. (I was able to fit 6 pieces in my 5.8 quart basket.)
  • I like to preheat the air fryer when cooking chicken thighs.
  • Cooking time may vary depending on the air fryer you are using.
  • If you are using bone-in chicken thighs, cook at 380 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or the internal temperature reaches at least 165 degrees F.
  • If you prefer crispier chicken thighs, use skin on thighs.

How to store

Store: Keep in leftover air fryer chicken thighs in an airtight container after they have cooled to room temperature. Keep in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.

Reheat: Warm them back up in the oven at 350 degrees F or in the air fryer for at least 4-5 minutes.

cooked chicken thighs in air fryer basket

What to serve with chicken thighs

Chicken goes well with so many different side dishes. A few favorites include:

FAQ’s

Can you cook frozen chicken thighs in the air fryer?

Yes, you will need to cook them for an extra 10 to 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.

How can I tell if my chicken thighs are done cooking?

Use an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh to make sure the temperature reaches at least 165 degrees F.

More easy air fryer chicken recipes

If you made this air fryer chicken thighs recipe, make sure to leave a comment and star rating.  

chicken thighs on a plate with lemons
5 from 4 votes

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

By Heather Seeley
Easy and flavorful air fryer chicken thighs
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
Servings: 6

Equipment

  • 1 Air Fryer

Ingredients 

  • 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs See notes for bone in thighs
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons lemon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions 

  • Pat chicken thighs dry. Brush olive oil over thighs and top with lemon juice.
  • In a small bowl, mix together lemon pepper, garlic powder, paprika and salt. Sprinkle and rub spice mixture on both sides of thighs.
  • Place chicken in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken thighs. Check to make sure internal temperature reaches at least 165 degrees F.

Video

Notes

If using bone in thighs, cook for 20-25 minutes or until internal temperature is at least 165 degrees. 

Nutrition

Calories: 179kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 107mg | Sodium: 295mg | Potassium: 286mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 109IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
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4 Comments

  1. Every time I make this recipe, I get so many compliments on the flavor and juiciness. I also sprinkled a little thyme on top of the chicken. My company asked for the recipe.