Name: Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat); Lemon wedges, for serving

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

CinnamonCinnamon6514

Air fryer chicken thighs are the ultimate weeknight hero—crispy, juicy, and bursting with flavor in under 30 minutes! The skin crisps up beautifully while the meat stays tender, all thanks to the air fryer’s magic. This recipe uses a simple blend of spices for a smoky, savory kick, and the touch of olive oil ensures golden perfection. Serve these with a squeeze of lemon for brightness, and you’ll have a dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly light. It’s a fuss-free, crowd-pleasing way to enjoy chicken any night of the week.

Ingredients

Instructions

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness.
In a large bowl, toss the chicken thighs with olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and cayenne (if using) until evenly coated.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, skin side up. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if necessary.
Air fry for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the skin is deeply golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Let rest for 3 minutes, then serve hot with lemon wedges.