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**Air Fryer Chicken Thighs: Crispy, Juicy, and Perfect Every Time**
If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and delicious way to prepare chicken thighs, then **air fryer chicken thighs** should be at the top of your list. With the air fryer, you can achieve perfectly crispy skin and tender, juicy meat in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional methods like roasting or frying. This simple yet flavorful recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or impressing guests with minimal effort.
### Why Choose Air Fryer Chicken Thighs?
– **Crispy Skin**: The air fryer’s rapid air circulation gives chicken thighs a crispy, golden-brown exterior without the need for deep frying or excessive oil.
– **Tender and Juicy**: The air fryer locks in moisture, ensuring that your chicken thighs remain juicy and tender, making each bite flavorful.
– **Quick and Easy**: Cooking chicken thighs in the air fryer is incredibly fast—what typically takes an hour in the oven takes just 20-25 minutes in the air fryer.
– **Less Mess**: Since you don’t need to deal with hot oil, there’s less cleanup involved compared to traditional frying methods.
– **Healthy**: Air frying uses significantly less oil than deep frying, making this a lighter alternative that still delivers the satisfying crispiness you love.
### Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
For this recipe, you’ll need only a few basic ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your pantry:
– 4-6 **bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs** (you can use boneless thighs as well, but bone-in tends to retain moisture better)
– 1-2 tablespoons **olive oil** (or another oil of your choice)
– 1 teaspoon **garlic powder**
– 1 teaspoon **onion powder**
– 1 teaspoon **paprika** (smoked paprika adds extra flavor)
– 1/2 teaspoon **salt**
– 1/2 teaspoon **black pepper**
– 1/2 teaspoon **dried thyme** (optional)
– 1/2 teaspoon **lemon zest** (optional for a citrusy kick)
### How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
#### Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to **400°F (200°C)**. This ensures that the air fryer is hot and ready to give your chicken thighs that crispy exterior.
#### Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Thighs
Pat the **chicken thighs** dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help the skin crisp up during cooking.
Next, drizzle the chicken thighs with **olive oil** and rub it all over the skin and meat. This will help the seasonings adhere and ensure a nice golden finish.
#### Step 3: Season the Chicken
In a small bowl, mix together the **garlic powder**, **onion powder**, **paprika**, **salt**, **black pepper**, and any additional herbs or lemon zest you’re using.
Sprinkle the seasoning mixture generously over both sides of the chicken thighs, making sure to rub it in for even coverage. If you want extra flavor, let the chicken marinate for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking, though it’s not necessary.
#### Step 4: Cook the Chicken Thighs
Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin-side down. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking. If you need to cook in batches, that’s fine—just make sure the chicken has enough space for the air to circulate.
Set the air fryer to cook at **400°F (200°C)** for about **20-25 minutes**. After about **10-15 minutes**, flip the chicken thighs so the skin is facing up. This will help the skin crisp up further.
Check for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken— it should read **165°F (75°C)** when fully cooked.
Step 5: Let It Rest
Once your chicken thighs are cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making each bite even more tender and juicy.
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