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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Super easy recipe too.
FAQs
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.
Chicken done in air fryer is healthy as one uses very little oil and gets the appearance and taste of fried food.
Yes chicken without any breading turns out very tender and tasty just like in this recipe.
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Air fryer Chicken Thighs
Equipment
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
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
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
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Savita says
These chicken thighs look so crispy and juicy. Need to try it super soon.
Rachna says
Thanks so much
Toni says
I really loved that it is so quick and easy to make! Thank you! It is a new addition to our weeknight rotation!
Rachna says
Happy to hear that Toni!
rebecca says
your simple seasoning for this recipe is so good! can't wait to make it again
Rachna says
Thanks Rebecca. Glad you liked it.
Beth says
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.
Rachna says
Thanks Beth
Mirlene says
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!
Rachna says
Thanks Mirlene
Loryn says
Excellent
Suzanne souto says
These were delicious! Very easy.