Chicken may not be the most exciting food ever, but you have to agree that it’s one of the most versatile. Especially when it’s crispy chicken thighs made in the air fryer! This method is simple, fast, and probably uses ingredients you already have in your pantry. A blend of Member’s Mark™ seasonings, including Spanish-Style Paprika, are all you need to make this dish amazing!

Tips for Cooking Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer

For extra-crispy chicken thighs

Dry the skin extremely well. Pat with paper towels before seasoning. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
Use a little oil, not a lot. Lightly coat the thighs; too much oil can make the skin greasy rather than crisp.
Season the skin generously, but avoid wet marinades right before cooking.
Use baking powder: Mix about ½ tsp aluminum-free baking powder per pound of chicken into your dry seasoning. It helps the skin become blistered and crunchy.
Don’t crowd the basket. Leave space around each thigh so hot air can circulate.
Cook skin-side up for the majority of the cooking time. You want the skin exposed directly to the circulating heat.
Try 400°F (205°C). For bone-in, skin-on thighs, cook roughly 25–30 minutes, depending on size, flipping once if needed.
Use a thermometer rather than relying on time. Chicken is safe at 165°F (74°C); thighs are often particularly tender around 175–185°F (79–85°C).
Don’t cover them while resting. Trapping steam will soften that crispy skin.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Classic comfort-food plate

Crispy roasted potatoes
Green beans with garlic and butter
Simple side salad

Easy weeknight dinner

Corn on the cob
Air-fryer or roasted broccoli
Rice or mashed potatoes

Lighter option

Greek salad with cucumber, tomato, feta, and olives
Lemon-herb couscous
Tzatziki for dipping

Mediterranean-style

Lemon rice
Roasted zucchini
Greek salad
Tzatziki or garlic yogurt sauce

BBQ-inspired

Creamy coleslaw
Cornbread
Baked beans
Pickles

One-pan-ish, low-effort

Baby potatoes
Carrots
Broccoli
Everything seasoned with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Chicken may not be the most exciting food ever, but you have to agree that it's one of the most versatile. Especially when it's crispy chicken thighs made in the air fryer! This method is simple, fast, and probably uses ingredients you already have in your pantry.

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Total Time 20

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Ingredients

¾ tsp Member's Mark™ Spanish Style Paprika
½ tsp Member's Mark™ Italian Seasoning
¾ tsp Member's Mark™ Garlic Powder
½ tsp Member's Mark™ Onion Powder
½ tsp Member's Mark™ Fine Ground Black Pepper
¾ tsp Member's Mark™ Sea Salt
4 Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
3 tbsp Olive oil

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Instructions

In a small bowl, combine the seasonings. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Rub the olive oil all over each thigh, then generously coat with the spice mixture. Season both sides and under the skin, if possible.
Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Once preheated, arrange the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up in the basket in a single layer without letting them touch. Air fry for 12 minutes, flip, and continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when measured at the thickest part of the thigh.
Remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes on a clean plate or cutting board.

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: air fryer, chicken thighs, dinner