Say hello to your new weeknight obsession: crispy, juicy chicken thighs in the air fryer with just 7 simple ingredients and zero fuss. Seasoned with a smoky paprika-garlic dry rub, these golden crispy-skinned beauties are low-carb, gluten-free, and high in protein—aka a total win for healthy comfort food. Ready in under 30 minutes with no mess and no stress, it’s crave-worthy chicken you can feel good about.
The Backstory
It all started with a craving for that perfect balance—crispy, golden-brown skin with juicy, tender meat underneath. Oven-baking took too long, pan-frying made a mess, and it was too to cold to grill. Enter the air fryer: my go-to kitchen appliance for crispy magic with minimal effort. After a few trial runs (and one overzealous spice experiment), I landed on the perfect seasoning blend and just-right cooking time. The result? A foolproof, ridiculously flavorful air fryer chicken thighs recipe that's quick enough for any weeknight. Because life’s too short for sad, soggy chicken! 😉
xoxo Kori
Why They're a Must-Make
- Juicy Inside. Who doesn’t love juicy chicken, am I right? Thanks to bone-in thighs, it’s easy to lock in all that moisture—no dry bites here. Plus, you're getting a healthy dose of protein with every flavorful forkful.
- Crispy Outside. Crispy chicken skin + perfectly balanced seasoning = absolute bliss. These bone-in thighs deliver that golden crunch without deep frying—hello, air fryer magic and a lighter take on classic comfort.
- SUPER Easy. Dinner in under 30 minutes? Yes, please. With just 7 wholesome ingredients—chicken and a few pantry spices—you’ll whip up a better-for-you meal that tastes like you spent way more time on it.
- Healthy. These air fryer chicken thighs aren’t just tasty—they’re naturally low in carbs, gluten-free, and packed with protein, they make a smart choice for anyone looking to eat clean without giving up bold flavor. Air frying keeps things light and crispy, while the simple spice rub skips the junk and delivers pure, satisfying goodness.
What You'll Need
Here's what you'll need to make this air fryer chicken thighs recipe. For exact ingredient amounts, please see the recipe card. Enjoy!
- Bone In Chicken Thighs (Skin On): Leaving the skin on creates a crispy outside and juicy inside with extra flavor from the bone as well. Also, I love how inexpensive bone-in chicken thighs are!
- Garlic Salt: A combination of regular salt and garlic powder may be used if you don't have garlic salt.
- Smoked Paprika: If you haven't tried smoked paprika you will be in love. It's a staple in my pantry, and it adds a wonderful smoky taste.
- Other Seasonings and Spices: Dried parsley, dried oregano, onion powder, and ground black pepper.
Make Them Yours
- Bone in chicken drumsticks, wings, breasts, and quarters may be substituted. Adjust time as needed and cook until the internal temperature of the chicken is 165 degrees.
- Olive oil can be brushed onto the skin before adding the dry rub if desired, but it isn't necessary for crispy skin.
- Boneless chicken thighs may also be used but they will cook fast so check them after 12 minutes.
- Play around with your favorite herbs to adjust the seasoning - this is a very flexible recipe. As a time saver, you can use an off-the-shelf salted seasoning blend such as barbecue seasoning dry rub, cajun seasoning, taco seasoning, etc.
How To Cook Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer
Follow these simple steps to make the crispiest juiciest air fryer chicken thighs!
Seasoning
Combine all the seasoning ingredients.
Rub
Rub seasoning over dry chicken thighs.
Air Fry
Preheat air fryer. Cook chicken thighs for 12 minutes, then turn over and cook until done. Let rest before serving.
What is the best temperature?
It is best to air fry chicken between 375 and 400 degrees. You want a balance between being hot enough to cook fast and crispy but not so hot that it burns, particularly with bone-in chicken (which takes longer to cook than boneless).
How long?
Air fryer chicken thighs (bone-in) should be cooked for about 20 to 25 minutes at 380 degrees or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
What to Serve Them With
Pair your air fryer chicken thighs with one of these delicious side dishes.
- Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes
- Blue Cheese Wedge Salad Recipe
- Best Recipe for Cauliflower Steaks - make this in your air fryer or on a grill!
- Easy Frozen Green Beans Air Fryer Recipe
- Balsamic Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer Recipe
- Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower
- Dill Pickle Slaw
- Buttery Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
- Crock Pot Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese - not low carb
Be sure to save this pin to Pinterest for later! 🙂
FAQs
To achieve perfectly crispy skin in an air fryer, follow these simple steps.
Start by preheating your air fryer to the desired temperature, usually around 380°F (200°C).
Next, ensure the food you're cooking, such as chicken, is dry. Pat it down with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, as this will help in achieving a crispy texture.
Then, lightly brush the food with a thin layer of oil or use a cooking spray to promote browning and crispiness.
Place the food in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring that there is enough space for air circulation. Avoid overcrowding, as it can lead to uneven cooking.
Finally, cook the food for the recommended time, flipping it halfway through for even browning. Keep a close eye on the cooking process to prevent overcooking or burning.
Store leftover air fryer chicken thighs in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
To get that crispy skin back, reheat in your air fryer at 350 degrees F until warmed through.
Can I ask you a favor?
If you tried this recipe, let me know! I'd love for you to come back and give the recipe a 5 star rating and leave a review in the comments! 🙂 Let's stay connected, so please follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest! Subscribe to my newsletter to get healthy fresh recipe ideas every week!
📖 The recipe.
Crispy Dry Rubbed Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer Recipe
Equipment
- air fryer
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in skin on chicken thighs
- 2 teaspoons garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl mix together all the seasoning ingredients.
- Dry the chicken thighs with paper towels, then rub seasoning over the chicken thighs. (Tip: for best flavor, place the chicken in a plastic bag and refrigerate 2 hours -up to 24 hours - this is optional if you're in a hurry).
- Preheat the fryer to 380℉. Place chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin side down.
- Cook chicken for 12 minutes, then turn over and cook an additional 10 to 13 minutes or until done. Chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 ℉ when measured with a meat thermometer.
- Transfer chicken thighs to a plate and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Kori's Tips
- Don't miss all of our helpful hints, substitution ideas, cooking tips, and other delicious recipes that can be found in our post. Check it out!
- VARIATIONS:
- Bone in chicken drumsticks, wings, breasts, and quarters may be substituted. Boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used but they will cook significantly faster so check doneness around 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- As a time saver, you can also use an off-the-shelf salted seasoning rub such as a barbecue seasoning, cajun seasoning, taco seasoning, etc. Italian seasoning is also delicious but you will need to add salt.
- Garlic powder can be used with salt if you don't have garlic salt. Standard paprika can be substituted for the smoked paprika.
- SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Serve with a green salad, coleslaw or steamed veggies.
Nutrition
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