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    Home » Air fryer Recipes » Air Fryer Chicken

    Air fryer Chicken Thighs

    By Rachna Published: Mar 14, 2022 · Modified: May 25, 2024 12 Comments

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    These air fryer chicken thighs are so flavourful and delicious. They are skinless yet get beautifully browned and stay juicy inside. 

    Chicken turns out amazing in the air fryer. Whether it is lemon pepper chicken, air fryer teriyaki chicken or crispy chicken wings.

    These chicken thighs need no marination and are super easy to cook. They are done in under 30 minutes. 

    I have used bone-in chicken thighs for this recipe. I have avoided skin as that adds on the Calories. But you can use chicken thighs with bone in the recipe too.

    You may also like frozen chicken patties in air fryer, Air fryer tandoori chicken and fried chicken drumsticks in air fryer. These panko pork chops are yummy.

    3 chicken thighs served on a plate

    How to Make Perfect Chicken Thighs in Air fryer

    1. I have used fresh chicken thighs without skin for this recipe. You can use the one with skin as well.

    2. This recipe is for about 1 lb. or about 500 gm. With about 6 medium sized chicken thighs.

    If you have about 4 chicken thighs that are larger, you will need to increase air frying time by 6-8 minutes.

    3. You don’t need to flip the thighs midway for cooking. But I did it for even browning.

    4. Use a meat thermometer to check that the inside of the thigh is at 165F to ensure that it is cooked through.

    If you don’t have a meat thermometer, just pick out one and check with a fork. Then cook more if it feels a bit underdone.

    Close up of air fryer chicken thighs served on a plate.

    Stepwise Pictures

    Take skinless bone-in chicken thighs in a bowl. Dry them with paper towels so that they are completely dry.

    Assemble olive oil, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, pepper, Italian seasoning and lemon juice.

    In bowls, skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, pepper, salt, paprika, onion powder and garlic powder.

    Mix together oil, lemon juice, seasonings and salt together. 

    Add to the chicken thighs and ensure that they are coated evenly on both sides with all the oil and seasonings.

    Chicken thighs coated with oil, lemon juice and seasonings.

    Zero-oil: Add some chicken broth instead of oil and follow the rest of the recipe. Your chicken thighs may not be as browned if not using oil.

    Air frying Instructions

    Preheat air fryer at 200C or 390F for 4 minutes.

    Lay chicken thighs so that they don’t overlap. I could fit 6 medium-sized thighs in mine. 

    6 chicken thighs marinated and laid in air fryer basket for cooking.

    Now air fry at 200C or 390F for about 16 minutes or till they are nicely browned outside and well cooked inside.

    If you have a meat thermometer, you can check the internal temperature. If it touches 165F it is done.

    You can flip the thighs midway during air frying if you like.

    You deliciously browned air fried chicken thighs are done. These were a huge hit at my place. Serve with this Keto buffalo chicken dip.

    Gorgeous browned chicken thighs after cooking in air fryer.

    Super easy recipe too. 

    FAQs

    1. Why does my chicken turn out dry in the air fryer?

    Chicken must not be overcooked or it becomes dry and stringy. Marinating with lemon juice or yogurt helps in keeping it tender and moist too.

    2. Is air fryer chicken healthy?

    Chicken done in air fryer is healthy as one uses very little oil and gets the appearance and taste of fried food.

    3. Can I put unbreaded chicken in air fryer?

    Yes chicken without any breading turns out very tender and tasty just like in this recipe.

    Here's the recipe card:

    📖 Recipe Card

    Air fryer Chicken Thighs

    Rachna Parmar
    These deliciously browned and tender air fryer chicken thighs are a wonderful main. These need no breading or flour and turn out perfect. Super healthy as well.
    5 from 55 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 22 minutes mins
    Total Time 27 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 182 kcal

    Equipment

    • Air fryer

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 lb. Chicken thighs about 500 gm.
    • 1 tbsp. olive oil
    • 1 tbsp. lemon juice
    • 1 tsp. Onion powder
    • 1 tsp. Garlic powder
    • ¾ tsp. Paprika
    • ½ tsp. Pepper
    • ½ tsp. Italian seasoning
    • ½ tsp. Salt

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    Instructions
     

    • Take skinless bone-in chicken thighs in a bowl. Dry them with paper towels so that they are completely dry.
    • Mix together oil, lemon juice, seasonings and salt together.
    • Add to the chicken thighs and ensure that they are coated evenly on both sides with all the oil and seasonings.
    • Zero-oil: Add some chicken broth instead of oil and follow the rest of the recipe. Your chicken thighs may not be as browned if not using oil.

    Air fryer Instructions

    • Preheat air fryer at 200C or 390F for 4 minutes.
    • Lay chicken thighs so that they don’t overlap. I could fit 6 medium sized thighs in mine.
    • Now air fry at 200C or 390F for about 16 minutes or till they are nicely browned outside and well cooked inside.
    • If you have a meat thermometer, you can check the inside temperature. If it touches 165F it is done.
    • You can flip the thighs midway during air frying if you like.
    • You deliciously browned air fried chicken thighs are done. These were a huge hit at my place.

    Notes

    1. I have used fresh chicken thighs without skin for this recipe. You can use the one with skin as well.
    2. This recipe is for about 1 lb. Or about 500 gm. With about 6 medium sized chicken thighs. If you have about 4 chicken thighs that are larger, you will need to increase air frying time by 6-8 minutes.
    3. You don’t need to flip the thighs midway for cooking. But I did it for even browning.
    4. Use a meat thermometer to check that the inside of the thigh is at 165F to ensure that it is cooked through. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, just pick out one and check with a fork. Then cook more if it feels a bit underdone.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 182kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 22gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 108mgSodium: 342mgPotassium: 346mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 497IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 31mgIron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe?Let me know on Instagram @rachna.parmar or tag #rachnacooks
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    If you liked the recipe, request you to leave a star * rating. Thanks.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Savita says

      March 14, 2022 at 9:06 pm

      5 stars
      These chicken thighs look so crispy and juicy. Need to try it super soon.

      Reply
      • Rachna says

        March 14, 2022 at 9:09 pm

        Thanks so much

        Reply
    2. Toni says

      March 14, 2022 at 9:27 pm

      5 stars
      I really loved that it is so quick and easy to make! Thank you! It is a new addition to our weeknight rotation!

      Reply
      • Rachna says

        March 15, 2022 at 10:13 am

        Happy to hear that Toni!

        Reply
    3. rebecca says

      March 14, 2022 at 9:54 pm

      5 stars
      your simple seasoning for this recipe is so good! can't wait to make it again

      Reply
      • Rachna says

        March 15, 2022 at 10:12 am

        Thanks Rebecca. Glad you liked it.

        Reply
    4. Beth says

      March 14, 2022 at 10:29 pm

      5 stars
      I am so excited to try this recipe! I cook chicken in my air fryer all the time, so I know how well it works. The flavors here are what I'm so excited about.

      Reply
      • Rachna says

        March 15, 2022 at 10:12 am

        Thanks Beth

        Reply
    5. Mirlene says

      March 15, 2022 at 12:50 am

      5 stars
      Love using my air fryer to make a simple chicken dinner for my family. Will be adding the italian seasonings for a touch of flavor!

      Reply
      • Rachna says

        March 15, 2022 at 10:12 am

        Thanks Mirlene

        Reply
    6. Loryn says

      September 02, 2022 at 2:49 am

      5 stars
      Excellent

      Reply
    7. Suzanne souto says

      October 22, 2023 at 3:50 am

      5 stars
      These were delicious! Very easy.

      Reply
    5 from 55 votes (48 ratings without comment)

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