Introduction

Air-fried chicken thighs deliver juicy meat with crispy skin without the mess of deep frying. This simple recipe uses just a few ingredients to create a flavorful, healthful meal you’ll want to make again and again.

Crispy Air-Fried Chicken Thighs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

4 large or 8 small chicken thighs, skin on
1 tbsp sunflower or olive oil
1 tbsp plain flour
Seasoning of choice: salt and pepper, or ½-1 tsp of smoky BBQ, ras-el-hanout, garlic granules, celery salt, or garam masala

Instructions

Step 1: Toss the chicken thighs in the oil, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
Step 2: Mix the plain flour with your chosen seasoning. Toss the chicken thighs lightly in this mixture for a thin coating. For a thicker crust, double the flour and seasoning.
Step 3: Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer on the tray of an air fryer that does not have a paddle.
Step 4: Cook in the air fryer for 35 minutes. Check doneness by pulling the flesh away from the bone on one thigh; it should come away easily with no pink remaining.
Step 5: If needed, continue cooking for another 5 to 10 minutes until fully cooked. The skin should be bubbly and crisp.
Step 6: Remove the chicken promptly from the air fryer to prevent the skin from softening due to steam. Discard any excess fat collected at the bottom of the fryer.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispy skin, pat the chicken dry before tossing in oil and flour mixture.
Try different seasonings to vary the flavor, such as smoked paprika or lemon pepper.
Use skinless thighs if you prefer less fat, but cooking time may be shorter.

Storage

Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to restore crispiness rather than microwaving, which can make the skin soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken breasts are leaner and may cook faster. Adjust cooking time accordingly and monitor closely to avoid drying out.

Do I need to flip the chicken during cooking?

It’s not necessary if your air fryer circulates air well, but flipping halfway through can help ensure even crisping.

Crispy Air-Fried Chicken Thighs Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 103 reviews

Crispy and flavorful air-fried chicken thighs with a light seasoned flour coating, perfect for a quick and healthy meal that delivers a beautifully crisp skin without deep frying.

Author: Tara
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 35-45 mins
Total Time: 45-55 mins
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: Western

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 large or 8 small chicken thighs, skin on

Coating & Seasoning

1 tbsp sunflower or olive oil
1 tbsp plain flour
Seasoning of choice: salt and pepper, or ½-1 tsp of either smoky BBQ, ras-el-hanout, garlic granules, celery salt, or garam masala

Instructions

Coat the chicken with oil: Toss the chicken thighs thoroughly in the sunflower or olive oil ensuring every piece is well-coated to help the flour mixture stick and to encourage crispy skin during cooking.
Prepare the seasoned flour: In a separate bowl, mix the plain flour with your choice of seasoning — salt and pepper or your preferred spice mix like smoky BBQ or garam masala. Toss the chicken thighs in this mixture to lightly coat them. For a thicker coating, you can double the amount of flour and seasoning.
Arrange in the air fryer: Place the coated chicken thighs in a single layer on the tray of the air fryer, making sure they are not overlapping to allow even cooking and crisping.
Air fry the chicken: Cook the chicken for 35 minutes at the recommended air fryer temperature (usually around 180-200°C / 360-400°F). After this time, check doneness by pulling the flesh on the underside of a thigh away from the bone; it should come away easily with no pink remaining. If needed, cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until fully cooked and the skin is bubbly and crisp.
Serve immediately: Remove from the air fryer promptly to prevent steam softening the crispy skin. Discard any excess fat collected at the base of the fryer. Serve hot for best texture and flavor.

Notes

Ensure chicken thighs are patted dry before coating to enhance crispiness.
You can customize the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer tray; cook in batches if necessary.
Check internal temperature for safety: chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
Consume immediately for the best texture; leftover chicken skin may soften upon storage.

Keywords: air fried chicken, crispy chicken thighs, healthy fried chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick chicken dinner, air fryer recipes