Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Everything You Need to Know About Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Crispy chicken thighs are one of those soul-satisfying dishes that never go out of style. With their juicy interior, flavorful dark meat, and golden-brown skin, chicken thighs deliver on taste and texture every time. And when cooked in the air fryer, you can achieve perfectly crispy chicken thighs with a fraction of the oil—and in less time than traditional methods.

This guide shows you how to make super crispy air fryer chicken thighs that are packed with flavor, incredibly easy to make, and ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests.

Why Chicken Thighs Are Ideal for the Air Fryer

Chicken thighs are a dream cut for air frying. The higher fat content in dark meat keeps the inside juicy and tender, even when the outside gets ultra crispy. Unlike chicken breasts, thighs are forgiving—hard to overcook, and naturally flavorful.

With bone-in, skin-on thighs, the air fryer works magic: hot circulating air crisps up the skin while sealing in the juices. You get a crunchy exterior and moist meat without needing a deep fryer or lots of oil.

Choosing the Best Thighs for Crispiness

To get truly crispy results, opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. The skin crisps up beautifully in the air fryer, while the bone helps retain moisture during cooking. If you prefer boneless, skinless thighs, they’ll still be juicy but won’t get that same crackling skin.

The Secret to Ultra-Crispy Skin

Getting crispy chicken in the air fryer is all about preparation:

Pat the skin dry thoroughly with paper towels. This removes surface moisture and helps the skin brown.
Use baking powder (not baking soda) as part of the dry rub. It helps break down the proteins in the skin, enhancing browning and crispiness.
Don’t overcrowd the basket—air needs room to circulate around each thigh.

A simple dry rub with seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and baking powder delivers flavor and texture. No flour or breading needed!

Cooking Time and Temperature

Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 22–25 minutes, depending on the thickness of your thighs. Flip halfway to ensure even crisping.

The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), but letting it go up to 175°F (80°C) is fine for thighs—they’ll stay juicy and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your crispy air fryer chicken thighs with sides like:

Roasted veggies
Mashed or air-fried potatoes
Coleslaw
Garden salad
Mac and cheese
Cornbread

The savory flavor and crackly skin go well with just about anything.

Storing & Reheating

Got leftovers? Store cooked thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 375°F for 4–5 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that skin crunchy.

Tips & Tricks for Success

Dry thoroughly: The drier the skin before cooking, the crispier it will get.
Space them out: Avoid crowding the air fryer basket—cook in batches if necessary.
Use baking powder, not soda: It helps render fat and promotes browning.
Rest before serving: Let thighs rest for 5 minutes after air frying to keep juices inside.
Optional marinade: You can marinate the thighs beforehand, but dry thoroughly before cooking to get crisp skin.

Quick Recipe Summary