Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

These crispy air fryer chicken thighs are so easy and turn out perfect every time. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs get incredibly juicy on the inside with crispy, golden skin on the outside. No need to preheat your oven or turn on the stovetop. Just season, air fry for 20 minutes, and dinner is done.

I’ve always loved roasting chicken thighs in my cast iron skillet for guests, but I don’t always want to heat up my whole oven for a weeknight dinner. This air fryer version gives me the same crispy skin and juicy meat in half the time. Plus, leftovers reheat beautifully in the air fryer in just 5 minutes, making this recipe perfect for meal prep.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

• Ready in 20 minutes with no preheating. Just season the chicken and pop it in the air fryer. No need to turn on your oven or stovetop.
• Frees up oven space for entertaining. Make your sides in the oven and cook the chicken in the air fryer. Perfect for when you’re hosting and need to juggle multiple dishes.
• Naturally gluten-free and budget-friendly. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are one of the most affordable cuts at the grocery store, and they’re naturally gluten-free with tons of flavor.
• Perfect for meal prep. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the air fryer in just 5 minutes. Make a batch on Sunday and you have easy protein all week long.

Ingredients

Ingredient Notes

• Chicken thighs – Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the crispiest, most flavorful results. The bone keeps the meat incredibly juicy, and the skin gets golden and crispy in the air fryer. You can use boneless skinless chicken thighs if needed, but they won’t be as crispy. Start checking them at 14 minutes and cook until they reach 165°F internal temperature.
• Olive oil – I like the flavor of extra-virgin olive oil, but any neutral oil works. Avocado oil is great for higher heat cooking, or use melted coconut oil if you don’t mind a subtle coconut flavor.
• Spices – This basic blend of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper is my go-to, but feel free to customize. Add onion powder and Italian seasoning if you want, or use cajun seasoning for heat. You can also finish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, or squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken after cooking.

Cook in Batches

Don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket. Chicken thighs need space for air to circulate and get crispy. Cook 4 thighs at a time in a single layer. If you need to cook more, keep the first batch warm in a 200°F oven while you cook the second batch.

Step-by-Step instructions

This crispy air fryer chicken thighs recipe is so easy to make with just 6 simple ingredients and minimal prep time. Follow the step-by-step photos below with matching instructions to help you make the recipe perfectly every time.

For the ingredient list with measurements, full instructions, printable recipe, and additional notes, please scroll down to the recipe card.

Add the black pepper, salt, paprika and garlic powder to a small bowl. Whisk together until combined. Add the chicken thighs to a large bowl and cover with olive oil. Top the chicken thighs with the seasoning mixture. Mix together until the chicken thighs are evenly covered in the spice blend. Place the chicken thighs skin side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 400F for 9 minutes. Flip the chicken over so that the skin is facing up. Air fry an additional 9-11 minutes, until the internal temperature is 165F and the skin is crispy. Serve immediately with your favorite side dish.

Recipe FAQs

Do I need to preheat my air fryer?

No, you don’t need to preheat for this recipe. The chicken thighs get crispy skin even without preheating because you flip them halfway through. If your air fryer model requires preheating, heat it for about 5 minutes at 400°F before adding the chicken.

Can I use boneless skinless chicken thighs?

Yes, I have many times but the results will be different. Boneless skinless chicken thighs won’t get crispy like bone-in, skin-on thighs. They’ll also cook faster, so start checking the internal temperature at 15 minutes. I like to cook boneless thighs with taco seasoning and oil and then use them in tacos.

Can I stack chicken thighs in the air fryer?

No, don’t stack them. Arrange chicken thighs in a single layer with space between each piece. Overcrowding prevents the air from circulating, which means the skin won’t get crispy.

Expert Tips

• Pat the chicken dry before seasoning. Use paper towels to remove all moisture from the skin. This is the secret to getting ultra-crispy skin in the air fryer.
• Start with the skin side down. Cook the chicken skin-side down for the first 9 minutes, then flip it skin-side up. This helps render the fat and ensures the skin gets crispy during the second half of cooking.
• Use an instant-read thermometer. Don’t guess when the chicken is done. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone. It should read 165°F.

Storage instructions

• Storage: Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat: You can reheat leftover chicken thighs in the air fryer to get the skin crispy again! Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer, skin side up. Air fry at 400F for about 5-8 minutes, until the chicken is hot and the skin is crispy. Serve immediately.

Serving suggestions

This air fryer chicken thigh recipe is perfect for easy weeknight dinners or meal prep. It pairs well with so many sides.

Try it with Roasted Broccoli and Potatoes , Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes , or Instant Pot Lemon Risotto . It’s also delicious on top of Roasted Acorn Squash Fall Salad or served with Gluten-Free Garlic Bread and a simple green salad. For an easy weeknight, pair it with steamed vegetables and rice.

More gluten-free chicken recipes to try

All Chicken

• 

  Gluten-Free Cheddar Bay Chicken Pot Pie

• 

  Gluten-Free Fried Chicken

• 

  Gluten-Free Chicken Pot Pie

Did you make this recipe?

I’d love to know! Please rate it and leave a comment below. You can also share your pictures and tag @adashofmegnut on Instagram.