Crispy Air-Fried Chicken Thighs (Juicy on the Inside, Perfectly Golden!)

If you’re craving chicken with irresistibly crispy skin and tender, juicy meat — without turning on the oven — this air-fried chicken thighs recipe is exactly what you need. It’s simple, flavorful, and delivers restaurant-quality results right from your air fryer.

These bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are seasoned with a blend of warm spices, then air-fried to golden perfection. The circulating heat crisps the skin beautifully while keeping the meat moist and flavorful every single time.

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🧂 Ingredients

• 6–8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• Cooking spray

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🍽 How to Make Air-Fried Chicken Thighs

1. Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating helps ensure even cooking and crispy skin.

2. Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs completely dry using paper towels. This step is key to achieving that golden, crispy exterior.

3. Season the Chicken

In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken thighs, making sure to work some of it under the skin for maximum flavor.

4. Cook the Chicken

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the chicken thighs in the basket in a single layer, skin-side down, and cook for 12–15 minutes.

5. Flip & Finish Cooking

Flip the thighs so the skin side is facing up. Continue cooking for another 10–12 minutes, or until the skin is crisp and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

6. Rest & Serve

Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps lock in the juices and keeps the meat tender.

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🔥 Tips for Extra Crispy Skin

• Always pat the chicken dry before seasoning
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket
• Use skin-on thighs for best results
• Add smoked paprika for deeper flavor and color

Once you try chicken thighs in the air fryer, you’ll see why this method is such a favorite. It’s quick, reliable, and delivers juicy, flavorful chicken with perfectly crisp skin — every single time.