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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe Perfectly Juicy and Tender Every Time

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This recipe delivers crispy skin and juicy, tender chicken thighs cooked quickly and easily in an air fryer, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds or 700 grams)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (2 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder (2 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (2 grams), smoked paprika optional
  • 1 teaspoon salt (5 grams)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (1 gram)
  • Optional: ½ teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible from the skin. (5 minutes)
  2. In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken thighs with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and optional herbs until evenly coated. (3 minutes)
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
  4. Place the chicken thighs skin side down in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. (1 minute)
  5. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes.
  6. Flip the chicken thighs skin side up using tongs and continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes. (20 minutes total cooking time)
  7. Check doneness with a meat thermometer; internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If not done, cook in 2-minute increments until reached.
  8. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.

Notes

Drying the chicken skin thoroughly before seasoning is crucial for crispiness. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking for even crisping. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Optional: brush melted butter on skin before air frying for extra crispiness. If skin isn’t crispy enough, air fry 1-2 minutes longer but watch carefully to avoid burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken, quick chicken recipe, easy dinner, juicy chicken, weeknight meal, gluten-free chicken

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/crispy-air-fryer-chicken-thighs-recipe-perfectly-juicy-and-tender-every-time/