Air Fryer
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
These crispy air fryer chicken thighs are one of those simple meals where a handful of everyday seasonings and the air fryer do most of the work. Bone in chicken thighs are seasoned with garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, mixed herbs, salt and black pepper, with a drizzle of avocado oil. I make small cuts in the chicken before seasoning so the marinade can get right into the meat, then leave it to rest for 15 minutes before air frying at 190°C for 25 minutes, turning halfway. The chicken comes out golden and crisp on the outside and is lovely with a fresh side of your choice — I served mine on a colourful bed of fresh rocca salad.
- Prep
- 20 mins
- Cook
- 25 mins
- Air Fryer
- 190°C
- Difficulty
- Easy
Ingredients
- 4 bone in chicken thighs
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Paprika, to taste
- Onion powder, to taste
- Mixed herbs, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Avocado oil, for drizzling
- Fresh parsley, chopped, to finish
Method
- 01
Prepare the chicken: pat the 4 bone in chicken thighs dry if needed, then make a few shallow cuts in each thigh so the seasoning can reach more of the meat.
- 02
Season: season the chicken thighs with garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, mixed herbs, salt and freshly ground black pepper according to taste, then drizzle with avocado oil. Rub the seasonings and oil thoroughly over the chicken, working them into the cuts.
- 03
Marinate: leave the seasoned chicken thighs to marinate for 15 minutes.
- 04
Arrange in the air fryer: place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, with space around them where possible.
- 05
Air fry: air fry at 190°C for 25 minutes.
- 06
Turn halfway: turn the chicken thighs halfway through the 25 minute cooking time so they cook and crisp evenly.
- 07
Check for doneness: make sure the chicken is fully cooked before serving. The thickest part of the thigh should reach a safe internal temperature of 74°C / 165°F when checked with a food thermometer, avoiding contact with the bone. Air fryer models and chicken thigh sizes vary, so a little extra cooking time is occasionally needed.
- 08
Finish: remove the cooked chicken from the air fryer and finish with freshly chopped parsley.
- 09
Serve: serve hot with your preferred side. I served mine on a bed of fresh rocca salad.
A little from me
Lackie's Notes
Making a few shallow cuts in the chicken helps the seasoning reach more of the meat.
Give the seasoned chicken the full 15 minutes to marinate before air frying.
Arrange the thighs in a single layer rather than overcrowding the basket.
Turn the chicken halfway through cooking for even browning and crisping.
Chicken thighs vary in size and air fryers vary in performance, so always check that the chicken is fully cooked before serving.
When using a food thermometer, check the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone and make sure it has reached at least 74°C / 165°F.
Optional variations
Make It Your Own
- Adjust the garlic powder, paprika and mixed herbs according to taste.
- Adjust the black pepper according to preference.
- Serve the chicken with whichever fresh salad or side you prefer.
Serve it with
Serving Suggestion
I served these crispy air fryer chicken thighs on a fresh rocca salad, but they work with any side you prefer.
