Weeknights call for quick, flavorful meals that the whole family will enjoy. This Air Fryer Chicken Thighs recipe is the answer to your dinner dilemmas, delivering juicy, crispy-skinned chicken in a fraction of the time it takes to bake. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a cozy, comforting meal on the table in no time. Get ready to savor the warm, zesty flavors of this air-fried chicken masterpiece!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Chicken Thighs for a Quick Weeknight Dinner
Chicken thighs are the unsung heroes of the poultry world, offering incredible flavor and tender, melty texture. By cooking them in the air fryer, you’ll achieve a delightfully crispy skin while keeping the meat perfectly juicy and succulent. This recipe is a true weeknight winner – it’s quick, easy, and packed with the kind of comfort and satisfaction that will have the whole family coming back for more. Plus, the hands-off cooking method means you can focus on other tasks while dinner practically makes itself. Get ready to savor the bright, lush flavors of this air-fried chicken creation!
Ingredients
This air fryer chicken thighs recipe calls for just a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create maximum flavor. You’ll need bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. The combination of spices and herbs elevates the chicken with a zesty, smoky profile that’s absolutely irresistible.
- 6-8 pieces – Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons – Olive oil
- 2 teaspoons – Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon – Smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon – Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon – Ground black pepper
Ingredient Substitutions
- Smoked paprika: Regular paprika or a dash of chili powder (for a little heat)
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (adjust cooking time accordingly)
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Thighs for a Quick Weeknight Dinner
Get ready for a super simple and satisfying chicken dinner!
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure the skin gets extra crispy. Then, in a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this flavorful spice blend all over the chicken, making sure to coat both sides evenly.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Drizzle a bit of olive oil in the air fryer basket, then arrange the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer, making sure they’re not touching. Air fry for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is deliciously crispy.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once the chicken is done, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is perfectly tender and juicy. Serve these air fryer chicken thighs immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives if desired.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Marinate for Even More Flavor: For even more flavor, try marinating the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking.
- Experiment with Spices: You can also experiment with different spice blends, such as Cajun seasoning or an Italian herb mix.
- Feed a Crowd: If you’re feeding a crowd, simply double the recipe and air fry the chicken in batches for a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal.
- Crispy Skin Tip: For the crispiest possible skin, make sure to pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps remove any excess moisture, which is key for achieving that delightful crunch.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These air fryer chicken thighs are a fantastic main dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, from roasted vegetables and fluffy mashed potatoes to fresh salads and buttery dinner rolls.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: The chicken reheats wonderfully in the air fryer or oven.
Make-Ahead: You can easily double the recipe and store the cooked chicken in the fridge or freezer for quick and easy meals throughout the week.
Nutrition Information
One serving of this air fryer chicken thighs recipe (one thigh) contains approximately 260 calories, 18 grams of fat, 24 grams of protein, and 1 gram of carbohydrates. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that’s also relatively low in carbs, making it a great option for those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle.
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Protein: 24 g
- Carbs: 1 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I need to air fry the chicken thighs?
The cooking time for air fryer chicken thighs can vary slightly depending on the size of your chicken and the specific air fryer model you’re using. As a general guideline, you’ll want to air fry the thighs for 18-22 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work just as well in this recipe. Keep in mind that the cooking time may be slightly shorter, so be sure to keep a close eye on them and check for doneness a few minutes earlier.
How can I make the skin extra crispy?
For the crispiest possible skin, make sure to pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps remove any excess moisture, which is key for achieving that delightful crunch. You can also try lightly spraying the chicken with cooking oil before air frying.
Can I make this recipe in the oven if I don’t have an air fryer?
Definitely! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can easily bake the chicken thighs in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F, and bake the seasoned chicken for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the skin is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
What should I serve with the air fryer chicken thighs?
These air fryer chicken thighs pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Some delicious options include roasted veggies, creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice or quinoa, and fresh green salads. The versatile flavor of the chicken makes it a great main dish for any weeknight meal.
Try These Next
- crispy honey garlic chicken thighs for game day feasts
- crispy air fryer chicken bacon ranch bites
- buffalo chicken ranch air fryer bites
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs for a Quick Weeknight Dinner
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: 🍗 Chicken & Poultry Creations
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are juicy, flavorful, and ready in just a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1.
2. 1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
3. 2. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. 3. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss them until well-coated with the seasoning mixture.
5. 4. Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
6. 5. Cook for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
7. 6. Remove from the air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
– Feel free to marinate the chicken thighs for a few hours for even more flavor.
– Serve with a side of vegetables or a salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: chicken, air fryer, quick dinner