• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Rachna cooks logo

  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Beginner Recipes
    • Vegan
    • Vegetarian
    • Rice Dishes
    • Meat/Seafood
      • Chicken
      • Fish
      • Prawn | Shrimp
    • Festival
      • Diwali
      • Navratri
    • Pickle
    • Rotis
      • parathas
  • Cookbooks
  • Contact
  • Others
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure Policy
    • Health & Fitness
      • Health
      • Fitness
  • Soup
  • Salad
  • Curry
  • Dry vegetable
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Air fryer Recipes
  • Instant Pot Recipes
  • Recipes
  • Cookbooks
  • Subscribe
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Air fryer Recipes
    • Instant Pot Recipes
    • Recipes
    • Cookbooks
    • Subscribe
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Air fryer Recipes » Air Fryer Chicken

    Air fryer Chicken Thighs

    Published: Mar 14, 2022 · Modified: Sep 13, 2022 by Rachna ·

    Jump to Recipe
    Buy My Air fryer ecookbooks Here

    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.

    Gorgeous browned and juicy 3 chicken thighs done in air fryer on a white 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.
    Gorgeous browned and juicy 3 chicken thighs done in air fryer on a white 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. 

    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 9 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

    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
    Check out our Food videos Subscribe to our Food channel for recipe videos

    If you liked the recipe, request you to leave a star * rating. Thanks.

    More Air Fryer Chicken

    • Frozen chicken patties after air frying in air fryer basket
      Frozen Sausage Patties in Air fryer
    • Korean chicken wings served on a white platter
      Air Fryer Korean Chicken Wings
    • Shake and bake chicken breasts after air frying on a white plate
      Air fryer Shake and Bake Chicken
    • Delicious 2 air fryer chicken leg quarters served on a white plate
      Air fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

    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

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi and welcome!

    I am Rachna, a Certified Nutritionist and Health Coach. I help you eat healthy. I specialize in healthy recipes especially Air fryer recipes.

    I offer Health and Nutrition Coaching aimed at helping you achieve fat loss, healthy eating habits and more stamina and flexibility.

    More about me →

    HEALTHY RECIPES

    • 3 air fried corn on the cob on a white plate.
      Air fryer Corn on the Cob
    • Air fryer Mushrooms
    • Air fryer beet chips on a white plate
      Air fryer Beet Chips
    • Air fryer Chickpeas
    • Close up of roasted broccoli in air fryer on a white plate
      Air fryer Zucchini No Breading
    • a bowl of roasted peanuts in air fryer with a spicy coating.
      Air fryer Peanuts

    LATEST RECIPES

    • Crispy air fried peas in a white bowl
      Air fryer Peas
    • Air fryer mozzarella sticks served on a white plate.
      Frozen Mozzarella Sticks in Air fryer
    • Stuffed peppers on a plate
      Reheating Stuffed Peppers
    • Tofu manchurian served in a white bowl
      Tofu Manchurian
    • Gyozas after air frying in air fryer basket
      Air fryer Frozen Gyoza, Dumplings, Wonton, Potsticker
    • Image of an air fryer
      When Air fryer Won’t Turn on

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    POLICIES

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Accessibility Policy

    NEWSLETTER

    • Sign Up for emails and updates

    ABOUT

    • About
    • Contact
    • Media Kit

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This blog earns income from affiliate links and ads.

    Copyright © Rachna cooks 2023