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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe Easy 20 Minute Dinner

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This recipe delivers quick, crispy chicken thighs with juicy tenderness using an air fryer. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt or sea salt, to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture from the skin. (5 minutes)
  2. Drizzle about 1 tablespoon olive oil over the chicken thighs. Sprinkle evenly with 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper if using. Rub the seasoning into the skin gently. (5 minutes)
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it run empty for 3 minutes.
  4. Place the chicken thighs skin side down in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. (1 minute)
  5. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes. Flip thighs skin side up and cook for another 8-10 minutes until the skin is golden and crisp and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). (18-20 minutes total)
  6. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry before seasoning is key to achieving crispy skin. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even crisping. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F (74°C). If skin isn’t crispy enough near the end, use the broil or grill setting for 1-2 minutes but watch closely to prevent burning. Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to regain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, healthy chicken, gluten-free chicken

Find it online: https://yumbelle.com/crispy-air-fryer-chicken-thighs-recipe-easy-20-minute-dinner/