Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
User Reviews
4.6
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Description
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs recipe starts by making a dry rub combining garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. The chicken thighs are patted dry and coated with olive oil, then evenly seasoned on all sides with the rub. Cooking in the air fryer at 380°F allows the skin to crisp while the interior cooks through, with a recommended finish when an internal temperature of 165°F is reached. The method includes flipping the thighs partway to ensure even cooking and optional additional minutes to reach preferred crispiness.
This dish results in juicy meat with a nicely spiced crust, balancing the garlic and smoked paprika flavors with the herbs. The chicken thighs retain good moisture and are richly flavored through the simple rub and cooking technique.
Serving ideas include pairing the chicken with sides like roasted vegetables, salads, or grains. The recipe suits those seeking a hands-off, reliable method for juicy, flavorful chicken thighs with crisp skin.
The notes advise using an instant meat thermometer for accuracy. Freezing cooked chicken is recommended after cooling, stored airtight up to 3 months. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cooks may adjust spices to taste to personalize the seasoning blend.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Make the rub mixture. In a small bowl, combine together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Prep the chicken. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F. Before starting, pat the thighs dry with paper towels. Brush each chicken thigh with olive oil on both sides. Generously sprinkle the chicken on both sides with the rub mixture.
- Air fry the chicken. Place chicken thighs skin side down in the basket to air fry. Cook for 12 minutes, then turn them over and continue cooking for another 10 minutes. If you like the chicken to have crispy skin, and the thighs are not crispy enough, cook for an additional 5 minutes or until it’s to your liking. The chicken is cooked through when a thermometer reads 165°F inserted in the center of a thigh.
Notes
- Use an instant meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked to 165°F for safety and juiciness.
- Let cooked chicken cool completely before freezing and store in airtight containers or freezer bags, removing excess air to preserve quality.
- Seasonings can be adjusted or expanded to suit personal flavor preferences beyond the basic rub.
- Cooked chicken thighs keep well refrigerated for several days, making them convenient for meal prep.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 202 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1thigh | |
| Calories | 202kcal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 22g | 44% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 107mg | 36% |
| Sodium | 392mg | 16% |
| Potassium | 307mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 283IU | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 21mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
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