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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Perfect Golden Skin

crispy air fryer chicken thighs - featured image
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These crispy air fryer chicken thighs deliver shatteringly golden skin and juicy, tender meat in under 30 minutes. A simple, foolproof recipe perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon aluminum-free baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs bone-dry with paper towels. Use at least 3-4 paper towels per thigh to remove all visible moisture.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and baking powder. Whisk with a fork to ensure the baking powder is evenly distributed.
  3. Place the dried thighs in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with the olive oil. Use your hands to rub the oil all over each thigh, including under the skin flap if there is one.
  4. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken thighs. Toss with your hands until each thigh is thoroughly coated.
  5. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes.
  6. Arrange the thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin side down. Leave at least ½ inch of space between each thigh. Cook in batches if necessary.
  7. Cook for 12 minutes at 380°F. Do not open the basket during this time.
  8. Carefully flip each thigh using tongs, so the skin side is now facing up.
  9. Cook for another 10-12 minutes at 400°F (204°C). The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when inserted into the thickest part of the thigh without touching bone.
  10. Remove the thighs from the air fryer and let them rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Patting the skin thoroughly dry is crucial for crispiness. Use aluminum-free baking powder to avoid a metallic aftertaste. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if needed. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to retain juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken thighs, easy chicken dinner, weeknight dinner, gluten-free chicken, keto chicken

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