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Here’s a super simple, crispy, and juicy recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Thighs — packed with flavor, minimal mess, and done in under 30 minutes!
🍗 Air Fryer Chicken Thighs (Bone-In or Boneless)
🕒 Prep Time: 5–10 mins | Cook Time: 18–25 mins
Serves: 2–4
🧂 Ingredients:
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4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on or boneless/skinless)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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Optional: pinch of cayenne or chili flakes for heat
🔥 Instructions:
✅ Step 1: Preheat
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Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 3–5 minutes.
✅ Step 2: Season
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Pat chicken dry with paper towels (especially skin-on thighs).
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In a bowl, toss chicken with olive oil and all the spices until evenly coated.
✅ Step 3: Air Fry
🦴 Bone-In, Skin-On Thighs:
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Cook at 380°F for 22–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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Skin should be crisp and internal temp should reach 165°F (74°C).
🥩 Boneless, Skinless Thighs:
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Cook at 380°F for 16–18 minutes, flipping once.
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They’ll be slightly quicker but still juicy and flavorful.
✅ Step 4: Rest & Serve
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Let rest for 3–5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions:
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With mashed potatoes or rice
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Over a salad or in a wrap
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With roasted veggies or air fryer potatoes
💡 Tips:
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Crowding the basket will reduce crispiness. Cook in batches if needed.
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Want extra crispy skin? After cooking, raise temp to 400°F for 2–3 minutes.
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Add a drizzle of honey or BBQ sauce at the end for a sticky finish.
Would you like a marinated version, Asian-style glaze, or low-carb/keto-friendly variation? Let me know!