Air Fryer Chicken Thighs (with Bone in Thighs)

BEST Air-fryer Chicken Thighs! Cooking chicken thighs in the air fryer is currently my (healthy) obsession and, honestly, the best thing! These bone in chicken thighs in the Air Fryer are crispy on the outside and yet very juicy on the inside. Air fryer thighs are packed with flavors, easy to cook, and ready in…

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Cooking chicken thighs in the air fryer is currently my (healthy) obsession and, honestly, the best thing! These bone in chicken thighs in the Air Fryer are crispy on the outside and yet very juicy on the inside. Air fryer thighs are packed with flavors, easy to cook, and ready in 30 minutes or less. The best part is that you can serve air fryer chicken thighs with just about any main side dish. Relatively, they pair so well with fried rice, cabbage, roasted veggies, salads, and literally any dish as a choice of protein. #Airfryerthighs #Airfryerchicken #Chickenthighrecipe #Airfryerrecipe #Chickenrecipe

BEST Air-fryer Chicken Thighs!

Cooking chicken thighs in the air fryer is currently my (healthy) obsession and, honestly, the best thing! These bone in chicken thighs in the Air Fryer are crispy on the outside and yet very juicy on the inside. Air fryer thighs are packed with flavors, easy to cook, and ready in 30 minutes or less. The best part is that you can serve air fryer chicken thighs with just about any main side dish. Relatively, they pair so well with fried rice, cabbage, roasted veggies, salads, and literally any dish as a choice of protein.

Furthermore, they make dinner time and meal prep so easy! So, friend, if you have some chicken thighs somewhere in your fridge or freezer, pull them out; let’s make crispy and juicy chicken thighs in the air fryer! This chicken thigh air fryer recipe is here to stay; I have already made it a mountain of times.🙌🏾😋

Bone in chicken thighs in the Air Fryer are crispy on the outside and yet very juicy on the inside. Air fryer thighs are packed with flavors, easy to cook, and ready in 30 minutes or less. The best part is that you can serve air fryer chicken thighs with just about any main side dish. Relatively, they pair so well with fried rice, cabbage, roasted veggies, salads, and literally any dish as a choice of protein. #Airfryerthighs #Airfryerchicken #Chickenthighrecipe #Airfryerrecipe #Chickenrecipe

Why You will Love these Air Fryer Chicken Thighs:

  1. Pantry ingredients; yep! All you may require to season these air fryer chicken thighs are the spices and herbs you may already have in your pantry. Any chicken seasoning would work, so do not fret over it!
  2. Easy to make; air fryer thighs are very easy to make. Listen, anyone can make these, even if you are a beginner chef!
  3. Keto and Gluten-free! These air fryer thighs are amazingly keto and gluten-free. If you like low-carb recipes, this works perfectly well. On the other hand, if you eat gluten-free, this recipe is perfect!
  4. Chicken thighs cook quicker in the air fryer! Typically, they are ready in 30 minutes or less.
  5. They make less mess! Usually, whenever I make chicken thighs in the oven, I would need a baking tray and a wire rack. Plus, about 50 minutes to an hour. YIKES! On the positive side with my air fryer, I just need the air fryer basket and 30 minutes. It is way easier to clean my air fryer basket than my baking tray and wire rack. Winning!
  6. Healthier than deep-fried chicken thighs! Air fryer chicken thighs are absolutely healthier than deep fried thighs. It is no longer news that cooking foods in the air fryer save time, money, and calories.
Air Fryer Chicken Thigh Recipe main photo 1

INGREDIENTS FOR AIR FRYER THIGHS:

These bone in chicken thighs in the Air Fryer are crispy on the outside and yet very juicy on the inside. Air fryer thighs are packed with flavors, easy to cook, and ready in 30 minutes or less. The best part is that you can serve air fryer chicken thighs with just about any main side dish. Relatively, they pair so well with fried rice, cabbage, roasted veggies, salads, and literally any dish as a choice of protein. #Airfryerthighs #Airfryerchicken #Chickenthighrecipe #Airfryerrecipe #Chickenrecipe
Make sure to pat dry the chicken very well. Trim off excess fat as well.

HOW TO MAKE BONE-IN AIR FRYER CHICKEN THIGHS:

  1. Wash the chicken thighs very well using ½ of one lemon (juiced). Pat dry with paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible.
  2. Add seasonings and olive oil to the thighs, wear gloves, and rub the dry rub on every part of the chicken thigh using your hands. Cover and allow the thighs to marinate for 2 hours or cook immediately if in a hurry.
  3. Preheat the Air Fryer to 400, place chicken skin up, flip/turn after 10 minutes, and cook for another 5 minutes. Then reduce the heat to 350, and cook for another 10 – 15 minutes. I cooked these big thighs for a total of 27 minutes. 
  4. *Please note that cooking time may vary due to the chicken size of your chicken thigh or the type of air fryer. I have big chicken thighs, and they cooked at a good time. Equally, I have the Instant Pot Air Fryer, which works very well! Your best bet for cooking meat in the Air Fryer is to use a meat thermometer.
These bone in chicken thighs in the Air Fryer are crispy on the outside and yet very juicy on the inside. Air fryer thighs are packed with flavors, easy to cook, and ready in 30 minutes or less. The best part is that you can serve air fryer chicken thighs with just about any main side dish. Relatively, they pair so well with fried rice, cabbage, roasted veggies, salads, and literally any dish as a choice of protein. #Airfryerthighs #Airfryerchicken #Chickenthighrecipe #Airfryerrecipe #Chickenrecipe

Tips For Making Crispy and Yet Juicy Air Fryer Thighs:

Pat chicken dry. Before seasoning the chicken thighs, please ensure to pat dry the thighs very well. Use paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible! 

Start cooking at a high temperature, (I typically start at 400). Please note that air fryers do differ. But typically, starting at a higher temperature helps the meat crisp up.

Use oil. Some people may argue that these thighs have skin on them, so why add the oil. Well, why not? Uniquely, rubbing olive to the thigh creates shine and crispness that makes them appear “fried.”

Flip the chicken halfway! Usually, I flip them every 7 – 10 minutes. Fortunately, the air fryer reminds you to turn the food with the un-missable beeping sound!

Start cooking with the skin up. I know many air fryer thigh recipes call for you to start cooking with the skin down; I do the opposite and start cooking with the skin up. For one thing, I need the skin to “fry’ and crisp as much as possible. This is because I still want a “fried” thigh beyond the skin. 

Recipe Note: pay attention to the thighs while cooking and do what works for you. Check your chicken thighs after 7 minutes, and decide if you want to reduce the heat or flip to the other side. Most importantly, have a meat thermometer on hand to ensure you do not overcook the chicken thighs!

Cooking chicken thighs in the air fryer is currently my (healthy) obsession and, honestly, the best thing! These bone in chicken thighs in the Air Fryer are crispy on the outside and yet very juicy on the inside. Air fryer thighs are packed with flavors, easy to cook, and ready in 30 minutes or less. The best part is that you can serve air fryer chicken thighs with just about any main side dish. Relatively, they pair so well with fried rice, cabbage, roasted veggies, salads, and literally any dish as a choice of protein. #Airfryerthighs #Airfryerchicken #Chickenthighrecipe #Airfryerrecipe #Chickenrecipe

FAQs

How do you know when the chicken thigh is ready?

Use a food thermometer, and insert it into the thickest part of the chicken thigh, and if it reads 165, your chicken is ready.

Can I use boneless chicken thighs?

Yes, you can surely use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. However, the cooking time will change. Boneless skinless thighs could be ready within 15 minutes. Please use a meat thermometer to check that it cooked through! While we are here, make sure to check out my boneless chicken thigh coconut soup! YUM

What is the best seasoning for making Air Fryer Chicken?

Overall, a dry rub seems better than marinades when cooking chicken thighs in the air fryer. Any chicken seasoning would work. As I did, you can make your own rub or simply use Cajun seasoning. Be aware that most seasoning has sodium, so go light on the salt.

Is air-fried chicken healthier?

YES. Air fryer chicken thighs are absolutely healthier than deep fried thighs. It is no longer news that cooking foods in the air fryer save time, money, and calories. 

Bone-in chicken thighs in the Air Fryer are crispy on the outside and yet very juicy on the inside. Air fryer thighs are packed with flavors, easy to cook, and ready in 30 minutes or less. The best part is that you can serve air fryer chicken thighs with just about any main side dish. Relatively, they pair so well with fried rice, cabbage, roasted veggies, salads, and literally any dish as a choice of protein. #Airfryerthighs #Airfryerchicken #Chickenthighrecipe #Airfryerrecipe #Chickenrecipe

How to Store the Leftover.

Allow to completely cool, place in a clean, dry container, close tightly and keep in the fridge for 5 – 7 days. I typically make these thighs as part of my weekly meal plan.

HOW TO MAKE THIS RECIPE:

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Cooking chicken thighs in the air fryer is currently my (healthy) obsession and, honestly, the best thing! These bone in chicken thighs in the Air Fryer are crispy on the outside and yet very juicy on the inside. Air fryer thighs are packed with flavors, easy to cook, and ready in 30 minutes or less. The best part is that you can serve air fryer chicken thighs with just about any main side dish. Relatively, they pair so well with fried rice, cabbage, roasted veggies, salads, and literally any dish as a choice of protein. #Airfryerthighs #Airfryerchicken #Chickenthighrecipe #Airfryerrecipe #Chickenrecipe

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs (with Bone in Thighs)

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 14 reviews
  • Author: Nkechi Ajaeroh, MPH
  • Prep Time: 7 minutes
  • Cook Time: 27 minutes
  • Total Time: 34 minutes
  • Yield: 4 Servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Air Fryer
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Cooking chicken thighs in the air fryer is currently my (healthy) obsession and, honestly, the best thing! These bone in chicken thighs in the Air Fryer are crispy on the outside and yet very juicy on the inside. Air fryer thighs are packed with flavors, easy to cook, and ready in 30 minutes or less. The best part is that you can serve air fryer chicken thighs with just about any main side dish. Relatively, they pair so well with fried rice, cabbage, roasted veggies, salads, and literally any dish as a choice of protein.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 Big chicken thighs (bone in and skin on)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt or less
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon onions powder
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon dry thyme
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • ½1 teaspoon “Slap ya mama” Cajun Seasoning by Walker and sons
  • 1 Maggi; crushed (or 1 teaspoon Knorr seasoning)
  • 1 tablespoon EVOO (Extra virgin olive oil)
  • 1 lemon

Instructions

  1. Wash the chicken thighs very well using ½ of one lemon (juiced). Pat dry with paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible.
  2. Add seasonings and olive oil to the thighs, wear gloves, and rub the dry rub on every part of the chicken thigh using your hands. Cover and allow the thighs to marinate for 2 hours or cook immediately if in a hurry.
  3. Preheat the Air Fryer to 400, place chicken skin up, flip/turn after 10 minutes, and cook for another 5 minutes. Then reduce the heat to 350, and cook for another 10 – 15 minutes. I cooked these big thighs for a total of 27 minutes. 
  4. *Please note that cooking time can vary due to the chicken size of your chicken thigh or the type of air fryer. I have big chicken thighs, and they cooked at a good time. Equally, I have the Instant Pot Air Fryer, which works very well! Your best bet for cooking meat in the Air Fryer is to use a meat thermometer.

Notes

Cooking time can vary due to the chicken size of your chicken thigh or the type of air fryer. Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is fully cooked!

Do not overcrowd your Air Fryer; if you have a smaller quart, cook in batch. My air fryer is 6 quarts.

Add salt according to your taste or health need. Some seasonings already have sodium, be sure to read the labels.

Do not place foil or parchment paper in your Air Fryer before placing the chicken.

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What to serve with Air Fryer Thighs?

Healthy Braised Red Cabbage with Apples:

Super easy healthy braised red cabbage with apples and red onions is the best side dish ever! It's savory, sweet, a little sour, tangy, and wonderfully complements every main dish. This recipe is vegan, gluten-free, refined sugar-free, keto – friendly and packed with flavorful herbs and spices. Look no further for a fabulous + tasty, healthy side you need for the holidays especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. Also, it comes together so quickly! #Cabbage #Braisedcabbage #healthysidedish #side

Baked Brussels Sprouts:

The best honey baked brussels sprouts recipe, perfectly baked in the oven without the help of bacon and cheese. A incredible plant-based side dish you will love with all your heart!

Nigerian Fried Rice.

Easier, healthier, and irresistibly delicious Nigerian fried rice recipe. This fried rice recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free, and you can effortlessly make it vegan fried rice if you so wish by cooking the rice in vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Packed with assorted nutritious veggies, this vegetable fried is a must-try! Main ingredients in Nigerian fried rice include rice (well obviously), onions, garlic, bell peppers, curry, turmeric, broth, and mixed vegetables consisting of carrots and peas, green beans, corn, etc. #Friedrice #Nigerianfriedrice #Africanfriedrice #Nigerianfood #HealthyNigerianfriedrice #Howtomakefriedrice #Howtomakenigerianfriedrice

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese.

This creamy and insanely tasty cauliflower mac and cheese can compete with the real mac and cheese any time any day! Whether you are celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, or family reunion, this meal is a winner healthy side dish you want to present!

While you are still here, grab my FREE (5) spinach salad recipe bundle. It would be a great addition to your dinner table (if you like salads) or you are looking to incorporate more veggies. Get the recipes here.

THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS, you are not charged more for using these links, but I make little coins when you do.

Finally, let’s connect on social media, am on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Share this recipe post, and SAVE/PIN THIS IMAGE ON PINTEREST! ⤵️

These bone-in chicken thighs in the Air Fryer are crispy on the outside and yet very juicy on the inside. Air fryer thighs are packed with flavors, easy to cook, and ready in 30 minutes or less. The best part is that you can serve air fryer chicken thighs with just about any main side dish. Relatively, they pair so well with fried rice, cabbage, roasted veggies, salads, and literally any dish as a choice of protein. #Airfryerthighs #Airfryerchicken #Chickenthighrecipe #Airfryerrecipe #Chickenrecipe

THANKS FOR STOPPING BY! Stay well and safe.😊

Nkechi Ajaeroh's blog nkechiajaeroh.com for healthy food recipes, and healthy living. tips.

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34 Comments

  1. I absolutely love air-fryer chicken. These thighs look so juicy and flavorful with the perfect amount of crispness! I will definitely be making these for my family soon!






  2. DELISH! The patting the chicken dry is key – helps get that nice crispy outside and a juicy inside. Great recipe.






  3. This was such an easy way to cook chicken thighs!! They turned out perfectly crispy and tender – so good!






  4. These are so flavourful! Perfect for a weeknight dinner and my boys loved them.






  5. Genevieve says:

    You can never go wrong with chicken thighs for dinner and I love that these are made in the air fryer!

  6. Saif Odeh says:

    I love chicken thigh. It is much tender and moist then other parts of chicken. Cooking through airfryer is one way to make it healthier yet delicious.






  7. I just got an Air-Fryer and am on the hunt for all the recipes to try. Came across yours and it is perfect!






  8. Whey turned out so crispy! I’ll definitely be making these often!






  9. I love how easily these chicken thighs come together in the air fryer and so much flavor! They look amazing with that crispy skin.






  10. This chicken looks super crispy and delicious! Love how easy it is to make and that it’s easy clean up!






  11. Dianna Canada says:

    Made this for dinner and it was sooo flavorful and crispy. Even sweeter is that even though my husband complimented it during dinner, when we got into bed in the evening he said again “dinner tonight was really good” so this is going into my favorites for sure.






    1. Am happy to hear that you and your family enjoyed this recipe, Dianna! You deserve every compliment from your husband; well done!!

  12. They look delish and are making them tonight so I can’t rate yet. I’m puzzled as to how your thighs came out of the air fryer skin side up as there is no indication that they were turned again after the 10 min mark (your video showed 15 min). Are they turned after the additional 5 min when the air fryer was turned down to 350?

    1. Yay, am excited for you to make these thighs! I cooked these for a total of 27 minutes; I did mention in the recipe that I reduced the temperature to 350. Your best bet when making this recipe is to use a meat thermometer to ensure that your chicken is fully cooked or you can slash them if ok with you. Yes I flipped them a number of times. Keep your eyes on them and reduce the temperature if they are tanning too quick! You can also add additional time if needed.

  13. I ended up flipping them again after 15 mins and my thighs weren’t as large so just went the extra 10 min at 350. These were so juicy and flavourful so will definitely be making them again and again! Thanks for the great recipe.






    1. Wonderful, Penny!!! Glad everything worked out ok and that you enjoyed this recipe. I appreciate the rating!

  14. ALICE ZYLSTRA says:

    Maggi and knorr seasonings are not gluten-free.

  15. This was really good! The spices were perfect and the skin was nice and crispy yum






  16. Chicken wings … could be fantastic too!

  17. Steve Owen says:

    I air fry mine to 185 degrees, internal temperature. Always come out crispy on the outside and tenders/moist on the inside. Your seasoning is spot on