How long does it take to cook chicken thighs in an air fryer

Q: What is the best temp to cook chicken thighs?

Whether theyre on a sheet pan, in a skillet, or in a saucy marinade, the best temperature for cooking boneless, skinless chicken thighs in the oven is between 400°F and 450°F, with 425°F being the temperature we rely on most often.

These Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are incredibly flavorful and cooked to perfection with crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. Seasoned with just a few spices, lemon, and oil, this quick and easy chicken recipe is convenient enough for a weeknight dinner or a healthy meal prep.

Want more air fryer chicken recipes? Then you have to try our Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Breast, Air Fryer Buffalo Wings, or Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings next!

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Post Guide:

You’ll love this Easy Air Fryer Chicken Thigh Recipe Because:
Ingredients Needed
- Dry Rub For Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
How To Cook Chicken Thighs In The Air Fryer? (Easy as 1,2,3!)
Want to make your chicken thighs extra extra crispy?
Tips For Making The Best Crispy Chicken Thighs In The Air Fryer
What To Serve With These Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Storing Leftovers
- Whole30 Air Fryer Chicken Thighs!
- FAQ: Cooking Essentials

Whenever I am unsure what to cook for dinner, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs is my go-to. It is simple but so satisfying! This chicken entree pairs perfectly with pretty much any side you can imagine. Plus, it is easy to customize the flavors to suit whatever you are craving that particular night.

Using the air fryer is the best way to cook chicken thighs for that extra crispy skin and without using an oven. Once you air fry chicken, you’ll want to do it all the time. Let me prove it to you!

You’ll love this Easy Air Fryer Chicken Thigh Recipe Because:

It’s quick and easy to make
Requires only a few simple ingredients
No need for excessive amounts of oil to get perfectly crispy chicken
This chicken pairs well with just about anything!

Ingredients Needed

Bone-in chicken thighs: I prefer this cut of meat over chicken breasts because the meat is juicier and more flavorful. You can use boneless skinless chicken thighs but then you should reduce the cooking time by a few minutes on each side. This will prevent over-cooking which results in dry chicken.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This helps the seasoning stick to the chicken.
Lemon: Not only does this add flavor but it also tenderizes the chicken.

Dry Rub For Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

While you can season chicken thighs in so many ways, I love this combination of smoky and savory. It is a blend of common spices that you probably already have stashed in your pantry.

3 tsp Herbs de Provence or Italian seasoning
2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tsp chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
Salt and Pepper, to taste

How To Cook Chicken Thighs In The Air Fryer? (Easy as 1,2,3!)

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season with spices, lemon, and olive oil.
Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the chicken thighs skin side down and cook for 15 minutes. Then, flip the chicken and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Want to make your chicken thighs extra extra crispy?

Use these methods:

Before seasoning the chicken, pat it dry; removing as much moisture as possible. Cut off any excess skin with kitchen shears.
Add a tablespoon of baking powder when seasoning the chicken. The baking powder helps to dry out the skin, resulting in super crispy chicken skin when cooked. Be sure to use aluminum-free baking powder NOT baking soda.
Make sure the chicken thighs are evenly coated in the oil when adding the seasoning. Then spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray before adding the chicken. This helps get the skin super crispy and prevents it from sticking to the basket.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer. Leave some room in between the chicken pieces to allow the skin to get crispy.

Tips For Making The Best Crispy Chicken Thighs In The Air Fryer

For the best results, thaw the chicken first before cooking in the air fryer.
Add the chicken to the air fryer skin side down first but remember to flip them mid-way so that the chicken cooks evenly.
Let the chicken marinate in spices, olive oil, and lemon for at least 30 minutes. You’ll be happy you did when you take a bit into this super flavorful, juicy chicken.
While they are still hot, toss them in your favorite sauce. I recommend my sweet, tangy BBQ sauce.

What To Serve With These Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Add some carbs with a garlicky, luscious pasta like this Creamy Avocado Pesto Pasta.
Keep this meal light with a veggie-packed side dish like Detox Cucumber Salad, Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Air Fried Asparagus, or Crispy Air Fryer Okra.
Try it with Cilantro-Lime Coconut Rice or Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes for a weeknight family dinner.
Pair the chicken with Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese and Honey Cornbread for the ultimate comfort meal.

Honey Cornbread as a side dish for the air fryer chicken thighs

Storing Leftovers

Once they have completely cooled, place chicken thighs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Want to store them for longer? Place the chicken in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, let the chicken thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Whole30 Air Fryer Chicken Thighs!

Yes, these chicken thighs are whole30 compliant (and Paleo-friendly) as they are made with simple ingredients and a few spices! They are also naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.

FAQ: Cooking Essentials

Are chicken thighs healthy?

Chicken thighs are a great source of protein and they contain vital nutrients like zinc and iron.

What temp for air fryer chicken thighs?

To get the perfect crispy skin and juicy interior, cook the chicken thighs in the air fryer at 400°F.

How long to cook boneless chicken thighs in the air fryer?

Boneless chicken thighs cook a bit faster than bone-in chicken thighs. Cook boneless chicken in a preheated air fryer of 400°F for 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check.

Can you cook frozen chicken thighs in an air fryer?

Yes. Cook frozen chicken thighs in a preheated air fryer at 380°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

How to reheat chicken thighs in the air fryer?

Reheat the chicken thighs in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through. Remember that the time may vary depending on whether the chicken thighs are bone-in or boneless.

I hope you enjoy this Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe!

If you try the recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know what you think in the comments below! Take pictures, tag #goodfoodbaddie, and share them with me on Instagram! I love seeing my recipes come to life in your kitchen.

More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes!

Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
Best Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Air Fryer Tuna Steak
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings
Air Fryer Lobster Tail With Lemon Garlic Butter
Gluten-Free Air Fryer Fish
Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
Air Fryer Shishito Peppers (Quick & Easy!)

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

These Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are full-flavored and cooked to perfection with crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. Made with a delicious dry rub, this quick and easy chicken recipe is convenient enough for a weeknight dinner or a healthy meal prep.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Gluten-Free

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 257kcal

Author: Capri Lilly

Ingredients

4 Skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs
1 Lemon juiced
3 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
3 tsp Herbs de Provence or Italian seasoning
2 tsp Smoked paprika
1 tsp Chili powder
1 tsp Garlic powder
½ tsp Onion powder
½ tsp Salt or to taste
½ tsp Ground black pepper or to taste

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 400F for 3 minutes. After preheating, spray with cooking spray.
Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. Then. add the chicken thighs to a large bowl and cover with the spices, lemon, and olive oil. If time permits, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minute. (Or you can make the chicken right away.)
Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer, skin side down, for 15 minutes.
Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165° F.
Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!

Notes

Tips For Making The Best Crispy Chicken Thighs In The Air Fryer

For the best results, thaw the chicken first before cooking in the air fryer.
Add the chicken to the air fryer skin side down first but remember to flip them mid-way so that the chicken cooks evenly.
Let the chicken marinate in spices, olive oil, and lemon for at least 30 minutes. You’ll be happy you did when you take a bit into this super flavorful, juicy chicken.
While they are still hot, toss them in your favorite sauce. I recommend my sweet, tangy BBQ sauce.

**Please note that different air fryers can cook slightly differently at the same air fryer temperatures. You may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature according to the brand you are using.

Nutrition

How long do thighs take in air fryer?

Preheat a 3.5-quart air fryer to 400 degrees F. Add the chicken thighs to the air fryer basket, skin-side down and without touching. Cook, flipping skin-side up halfway through, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part (avoiding the bone) reads 165 degrees F, about 18 minutes.

How long should you cook chicken in air fryer?

The amount of time it takes to cook chicken in an air fryer will vary based on the size of your chicken breasts..

Small Breasts (5 to 7 ounces): 7 to 10 minutes..

Medium Breasts (8 to 10 ounces): 10 to 12 minutes..

Large Breasts (11 ounces or more): 12 to 16 minutes..

What is the best temp to cook chicken thighs?

Whether they're on a sheet pan, in a skillet, or in a saucy marinade, the best temperature for cooking boneless, skinless chicken thighs in the oven is between 400°F and 450°F, with 425°F being the temperature we rely on most often.

How many chicken thighs fit in an Airfryer?

Most air fryers will fit about six to eight chicken thighs, depending on whether they're boneless or bone-in. Instructions: A 360° temperature seems to work best, but the cook times will vary: 15 to 17 minutes for boneless and 22 to 25 minutes for bone-in, flipping halfway through.