This one-pot Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are amazingly delicious. Imagine something this good that’s also relatively mess-free and incredibly quick and easy. Made with a simple dry rub, this quick and simple recipe packs a big punch of great flavors and can be ready on your dinner table in less than 30 minutes, start to finish. Simple, versatile and delicious!
Chicken Thighs In The Air Fryer
This is so simple to make, and I mean really simple, but that’s the way I like it, especially when it tastes that good. The Air Fryer is one of those great inventions that will make your chicken thighs taste like they were fried, but without the added calories, and no more getting splattered with hot grease. It’s also a really a quick way to cook meat for dinner with less mess. For a hearty dinner, pair the chicken with a side dish by making some creamy mashed potatoes, roasted broccoli, or a healthy chef salad.
Add or substitute different spices to change up the taste. Try some chili powder, jerk spice, cajun, etc. Don’t be afraid to mix it up if you’re feeling creative!
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Highlights
✅ QUICK TO MAKE. Anytime you use an air fryer, it’s usually always a quick meal. No fuss, very little mess, and perfect for those busy evenings.
✅ EXTREMELY EASY. Even if you haven’t cooked before, this is a no brainer. You basically need to season the chicken, place it in the pot, and turn the air fryer on. Done!
✅ ONE POT. One thing that is so great about an air fryer is that you can make everything in one pot, and cleanup is really a breeze.
✅ FEW STAPLE INGREDIENTS. With only chicken, and a few basic pantry items, this chicken can be whipped up anytime and in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken – Use chicken thighs, bone-in with the skin on for the best flavor.
- Oil – I use a little bit of olive oil to to brush over the chicken pieces. You can also spray the chicken with some cooking spray.
- Salt/Pepper – Add a little salt and pepper to taste.
- Garlic – Use garlic powder for some enhanced flavor.
- Paprika – I use ground smoked paprika. Even just a little bit adds an incredibly smoky flavor and aroma to any dish.
- Italian seasoning – I use my simple homemade Italian seasoning with a mixture of 5 herbs. Store bought works as well.
How To Make Chicken Thighs In The Air Fryer
Make the rub mixture. In a small bowl, combine together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Prep the chicken. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F. My air fryer doesn’t really need to be preheated, but in this cake everything will go so fast, you might as well have it ready to go. Before starting, pat the thighs dry with paper towels. Brush each chicken thigh with olive oil on both sides. Generously sprinkle the chicken on both sides with the rub mixture.
Air fry the chicken. Place chicken thighs skin side down in the basket to air fry. Cook for 12 minutes, then turn them over and continue cooking for another 10 minutes. If you like the chicken to have crispy skin, and the thighs are not crispy enough, cook for an additional 5 minutes or until it’s to your liking. The chicken is cooked through when a thermometer reads 165°F inserted in the center of a thigh.
Can I Use Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs?
You certainly can, but keep in mind they will take a bit less time to cook. If using boneless skinless thighs, they will take about 15 minutes, flipping half way through, until cooked through.
Why Isn’t My Chicken Crispy In The Air Fryer?
Dry the outside of the food properly before you add any oil, so make sure to pat the thighs dry with paper towels. Do not use too much oil, as this will make the food less crispy and more fattening. Meat or poultry can be lightly brushed with oil or sprayed with cooking spray to get the crispiest results.
Do I Need To Clean My Air Fryer After Every Use?
Ideally, your air fryer should be cleaned after every use in order to avoid charred food and gunk buildup. Feel free to wipe down your air fryer’s exterior after every few uses.
Expert Tips
- Get an instant meat thermometer! Trust me, it will be a life saver! This is the best way to ensure your meat is cooked properly. Luckily, since we’re using an air fryer, we can open the lid and check the internal temperature often and as soon as it reaches 165°F, you know the chicken is done!
- I kept the seasoning super simple, but feel free to play around with other spices/herbs to make this recipe your own.
- To freeze, make sure to let your chicken cool completely before you freeze it! Transfer it into freezer bags or an airtight container. If using freezer bags, remove as much air as possible from the bag as you slide the zipper closed. Leftovers will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- It’s important not to overcrowd the air fryer for best results.
- Cooking time may need adjusting as necessary if using really small versus really large thighs. Don’t be scared to open the air fryer as often as you like to check for doneness.
- If you want to ensure your food does not stick, grease your air fryer basket.
Leftovers
Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
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Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon pepper or to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Make the rub mixture. In a small bowl, combine together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Prep the chicken. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F. Before starting, pat the thighs dry with paper towels. Brush each chicken thigh with olive oil on both sides. Generously sprinkle the chicken on both sides with the rub mixture.
- Air fry the chicken. Place chicken thighs skin side down in the basket to air fry. Cook for 12 minutes, then turn them over and continue cooking for another 10 minutes. If you like the chicken to have crispy skin, and the thighs are not crispy enough, cook for an additional 5 minutes or until it’s to your liking. The chicken is cooked through when a thermometer reads 165°F inserted in the center of a thigh.
Recipe Notes
- Get an instant meat thermometer! Trust me, it will be a life saver! This is the best way to ensure your meat is cooked properly. Luckily, since we’re using an air fryer, we can open the lid and check the temperature often and as soon as it reaches 165°F, you know the chicken is done!
- I kept the seasoning super simple, but feel free to play around with other spices/herbs to make this recipe your own.
- To freeze, make sure to let your chicken cool completely before you freeze it! Transfer it into freezer bags or an airtight container. If using freezer bags, remove as much air as possible from the bag as you slide the zipper closed. Leftovers will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
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