Name: Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 8 chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; Optional add-ins:; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; Pinch of cayenne for heat

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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs: Perfect for Weeknights, Weekends, and the Big Game

Some recipes earn a permanent spot in your rotation — and crispy air fryer chicken thighs are absolutely one of them. They’re quick enough for busy weeknights, flexible enough for lazy weekends, and crowd-friendly enough to hold their own during the Big Game.

On weeknights, this recipe is a lifesaver. Chicken thighs are forgiving, affordable, and packed with flavor, and the air fryer does the heavy lifting. With minimal prep and no babysitting, dinner can be on the table in under 30 minutes — no oven, no mess, no stress. Pair them with a simple salad, air-fried veggies, or microwave rice, and you’ve got a real meal without the burnout.

On weekends, these thighs slow down beautifully. Serve them alongside comfort sides like mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, or roasted vegetables, or turn leftovers into wraps, bowls, or salads the next day. They’re the kind of recipe that feels homemade without demanding your entire afternoon.

And for the Big Game? These shine. Crispy skin, juicy meat, and endless flavor options make them perfect finger food or platter-style serving. Toss them in BBQ, buffalo, or honey garlic sauce, serve with dipping sauces, and watch them disappear. They’re a budget-friendly alternative to wings that still bring big flavor — and no one leaves hungry.

Whether you’re feeding your family on a Tuesday, hosting friends on a Sunday, or feeding a crowd that came for football and stayed for the food, air fryer chicken thighs just work. Simple, reliable, and always a hit — exactly what good home cooking should be.

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, these air fryer chicken thighs are an easy, no-fuss dinner that works any night of the week. Made with simple pantry seasonings and ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe delivers big flavor without turning on the oven. Perfect for busy weeknights, relaxed weekends, or feeding a hungry crowd.

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Ingredients

8 chicken thighs bone-in or boneless
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Optional add-ins:
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Pinch of cayenne for heat

Instructions

Preheat air fryer
Preheat to 380°F for 3–5 minutes.
Prep the chicken
Pat thighs dry (this is key for crispy skin). Rub with olive oil and season on all sides.
Air fry
Place thighs skin-side down in a single layer.
Cook 12 minutes, then flip
Cook another 10–12 minutes
Check doneness
Chicken should reach 165°F and skin should be golden and crisp.