Name: Air Fryer Bone-In Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 32 min
Ingredients: Bone-In Chicken Thighs; Salt; Black Pepper; Garlic Powder; Paprika

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Say goodbye to dry and boring chicken! These Air Fryer Bone-In Chicken Thighs are a quick and easy way to serve up a flavorful, juicy meal the whole family will love. With crispy skin and tender meat, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a no-fuss dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Meet your new favorite weeknight chicken recipe! With crispy skin on the outside and juicy meat on the inside, these Air Fryer Bone-In Chicken Thighs are incredible! The air fryer cooks them to perfection in just 30 minutes!

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Bone-In Chicken Thighs

Crispy and Juicy: The air fryer creates perfectly crispy skin while locking in the juices, giving you restaurant-quality chicken every time.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal on the table fast.
Minimal Ingredients: With just a handful of simple spices, this recipe transforms basic chicken thighs into a flavorful dish.
Kid and Family-Friendly: The crispy texture and savory flavor are loved by kids, and it’s versatile enough to pair with everyone’s favorite sides.
Healthier Option: Using an air fryer means you can enjoy crispy chicken without the excess oil, making it a guilt-free choice for any meal.

Bone In Chicken Thighs In Air Fryer

This simple air fryer recipe is going to show you how easy it is to make perfectly cooked chicken thighs with almost no effort. It’s literally a foolproof way to cook thighs because the air fryer is able to maintain consistent heat. This keeps the chicken juicy and crisps up the skin beautifully.

And because this recipe is so easy it’s the perfect weeknight meal. You just need an air fryer, some chicken, a few spices, and 30 minutes! Once the chicken is in the air fryer it basically cooks itself. This gives you time to throw together a few easy sides to go with the chicken or relax!

And, of course, kids love these air fryer bone-in chicken thighs with some BBQ sauce. But they also make an amazing adult lunch when served cold with a salad like my Broccoli Salad with Apple or Simple Kale Salad.

How to Cook Bone-In Chicken Thighs In The Air Fryer

This recipe is super easy! All you need is some chicken thighs and a few seasonings.

Bone-In Chicken Thighs – The star of this recipe, providing juicy meat and crispy skin.
Salt – Enhances the natural flavor of the chicken.
Black Pepper – Adds a hint of spice and depth to the seasoning.
Garlic Powder – Brings a subtle, savory garlic flavor to the dish.
Paprika – Adds a smoky, sweet note and gives the chicken a beautiful color.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Air Fryer Bone-In Chicken Thighs

Air fryer – The key appliance that ensures crispy and evenly cooked chicken thighs.
Digital cooking thermometer – Essential for checking that the chicken is fully cooked to a safe temperature.
Measuring spoons – For accurately measuring your spices and seasonings.

Before you start, your chicken needs to be completely thawed out. This recipe is not for frozen chicken thighs.

The first thing you need to do is season the thighs by sprinkling them on both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. These are the seasonings I used. Yet, feel free to use any seasonings you like.

Then place the thighs in the air fryer basket and put them into the air fryer to cook for 30 minutes at 385 degrees Fahrenheit.

After 15 minutes of cooking, remove the air fryer basket and flip the chicken thighs over for even cooking and browning. Then put the basket back into the air fryer to finish the chicken for the remaining 15 minutes.

When the chicken is done, you should use a digital cooking thermometer to make sure that it is fully cooked and has reached an internal temperature of at least 170°F. If not, you need to put the thighs back into the air fryer for a few more minutes and then check the temperature again.

Once the air fryer bone-in chicken thighs are ready, serve it right away and enjoy!

What to Serve with Air Fried Bone-In Chicken Thighs

Chicken goes with everything! And it’s tasty for lunch, dinner, or just because! But here are some of my favorite dishes to serve with thighs to give you some ideas.

Tips For Success

Thaw Completely: For the best results, make sure your chicken thighs are fully thawed. Frozen chicken won’t cook evenly and may result in a rubbery texture.
Don’t Skip the Flip: Flipping the chicken halfway through cooking ensures even browning and crispy skin on all sides.
Use a Thermometer: Always check the internal temperature with a digital cooking thermometer to make sure it reaches at least 170°F for fully cooked and safe-to-eat chicken.
Avoid Overcrowding: Arrange the thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overlapping pieces can prevent proper airflow, resulting in uneven cooking.
Customize the Seasoning: While the recipe calls for salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, feel free to use your favorite spice blends. Lemon pepper, Cajun seasoning, or Italian herbs are great options.
Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a couple of minutes after cooking. This helps redistribute the juices for extra-tender meat.
Check Air Fryer Settings: Different air fryer models may have slight temperature variations. Keep an eye on the thighs during the final minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking.

Variations And Substitutions

Spice It Up: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick. A dash of hot sauce brushed on before cooking also works wonders.
Herbal Twist: Sprinkle dried rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning over the thighs for a fragrant and earthy flavor.
Lemon Garlic Flavor: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and some minced garlic to the chicken before seasoning for a zesty, aromatic touch.
Smoked Paprika: Swap regular paprika with smoked paprika to bring a deeper, smoky flavor profile to the chicken.
Boneless Option: This recipe works well with boneless chicken thighs too. Reduce the cooking time to about 20-25 minutes, checking the internal temperature to ensure it’s at least 165°F.
Marinade Variation: Marinate the chicken thighs in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and your favorite spices for 1-2 hours before cooking. This adds extra moisture and enhances flavor.
Dietary Adaptations: For a low-sodium version, use a salt-free seasoning blend. Paleo or Whole30 followers can enjoy this recipe by ensuring the spices used are compliant.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Allow the chicken thighs to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken thighs. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating in the Air Fryer: To reheat, place the chicken thighs in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until warmed and crispy.
Reheating in the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the chicken on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
Reheating in the Microwave: For a quick option, microwave the chicken on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes. Note that the skin may lose some of its crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken thighs for this recipe?

No, this recipe is specifically designed for thawed chicken thighs. Frozen chicken will not cook evenly in the air fryer, and the results may not be as crispy or juicy. For frozen chicken, consider a different recipe tailored to that method.

What other spices can I use?

Feel free to customize the seasoning blend! Popular options include Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, Italian herbs, or even a sweet and smoky BBQ rub. Experiment with your favorite flavors to make it your own.

How do I know if my chicken is fully cooked?

The safest way to ensure the chicken is fully cooked is by using a digital thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the meat without touching the bone. The internal temperature should read at least 170°F for bone-in chicken thighs.

Can I cook other cuts of chicken with this recipe?

Yes, this recipe works well with other cuts like drumsticks or bone-in chicken breasts. Adjust the cooking time as needed and always check the internal temperature for doneness.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

No, preheating is not required for this recipe. The chicken thighs will cook evenly starting from a cold air fryer, saving you time and effort.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

This recipe is already a healthier option because it uses minimal oil. To make it even healthier, opt for low-sodium seasonings or skip the salt altogether.

What should I do if my chicken isn’t crispy?

If the skin isn’t crispy enough after 30 minutes, cook for an additional 2-5 minutes. Keep a close eye on the chicken to avoid overcooking, and make sure there’s enough space in the basket for proper airflow.

More Air Fryer Recipes

If you enjoyed this recipe for air fried bone-in chicken thighs you should check out some of my other easy air fryer recipes. I have plenty to choose from!

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