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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

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A quick and easy recipe for crispy, golden-skinned chicken thighs with juicy, tender meat made in the air fryer. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds / 700 grams)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme or oregano (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture from the skin. (5 minutes)
  2. In a mixing bowl, drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil over the thighs. Toss gently to coat all sides.
  3. Sprinkle garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme evenly over the chicken. Rub the seasoning into the skin and under it if possible. (5 minutes)
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it run empty for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Arrange chicken thighs skin-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces for air circulation. (1 minute)
  6. Cook for 12 minutes, then flip the thighs so the skin side is up. (12 minutes)
  7. Cook for another 8-10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is deep golden and crispy.
  8. Remove the thighs and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry before seasoning is crucial for crispy skin. Flip the chicken only once during cooking to keep the skin intact. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally. Rest the chicken for 5 minutes before serving to keep it juicy. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket for even cooking. Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken, easy chicken recipe, juicy chicken, weeknight dinner, quick chicken, healthy chicken

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/crispy-air-fryer-chicken-thighs-recipe-easy-juicy-tender-meat/