These juicy air fryer chicken thighs deliver restaurant-worthy results in under 30 minutes. Golden-brown, crispy skin wraps perfectly seasoned meat that stays incredibly tender and moist inside.

With just 261 calories per serving and 19g of protein, this foolproof recipe lets you enjoy a delicious, healthy dinner without the guilt or mess of traditional frying. Whether you’re a busy parent or cooking novice, this simple method will become your new favorite way to prepare chicken thighs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken Thighs: 4 bone-in thighs, trimmed and patted dry for best results
Paprika: 2 tablespoons to create a beautiful color and smoky flavor
Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon for aromatic herb flavor
Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon to enhance savory notes
Spray Oil: Light coating to help seasonings stick

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Chicken: Clean and pat the thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels for crispy results
Create Seasoning Mix: Combine paprika, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder in a small bowl until well mixed
Season the Meat: Lightly spray chicken with oil and generously coat both sides with the spice mixture
Prepare Air Fryer: Optional but recommended – line the basket with parchment or foil for easy cleanup
First Cook: Place seasoned thighs in basket and air fry at 400°F for 9 minutes
Flip and Finish: Turn thighs over and continue cooking for another 9 minutes until perfectly done

Cooking Techniques

Air frying gives these chicken thighs a beautiful crispy outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender! For the best results, don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket – leave a little space between each thigh. The parchment paper or foil liner is a game-changer for easy cleanup, but make sure to poke a few holes in it so the hot air can circulate properly.

Variations

Love playing with flavors? Try these tasty spice combinations:

Switch to smoked paprika for a deeper, smokier taste
Add some cayenne pepper for extra heat
Replace Italian seasoning with Greek seasoning and add a squeeze of lemon
Try a simple salt and black pepper combo for classic flavor

You can also make this recipe with boneless thighs – just reduce the cooking time to 12-15 minutes!

Serving Suggestions

These tasty chicken thighs pair wonderfully with so many sides! Serve them with:

A fresh green salad
Roasted vegetables
Rice or quinoa
Mashed potatoes

Don’t forget to let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving – this helps keep all those tasty juices inside!

Storage Tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 350°F. The air fryer helps bring back that crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy. You can also freeze these for up to 3 months – just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.