cookitrealgood.com
cookitrealgood.com
  1. Recipes
  2. Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

WRITER BYCassie
POSTEDOctober 1, 2020
JUMP TO RECIPE

These Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are my go-to for a quick weeknight dinner. You'll get the most deliciously juicy chicken thighs every time and they're ready so quickly in the air fryer. Cut them up into a salad, or put them on top of some rice.

chicken thighs on a plate with parsley.

Looking for a healthy, quick and easy dinner option tonight? Try these Air Fryer Chicken Thighs!

These are my go-to when I'm wanting something on the table fast. We only need a few simple ingredients and the air fryer cooks the chicken to perfection every time.

I use the chicken thighs in many ways - I put them on top of my turmeric rice with a little garlic yogurt sauce; cut them up and stir them through a salad; or use them in a wrap.

However you choose to use them I know you're going to fall in love with how effortless it is to make chicken thighs in your air fryer. Less clean up too!

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE...

  • Effortless.
  • Quick and easy.
  • Foolproof deliciously juicy chicken thighs.
chicken thighs on top of a bed of rice with parsley.

INGREDIENTS

ingredients for air fryer chicken thighs on a board, including oil, spices etc.

Here's what you'll need to make air fryer chicken thighs (full measurements listed in the printable recipe card below)...

  • Chicken Thighs - skinless and boneless.
  • Olive Oil
  • Paprika
  • Garlic Powder
  • Onion Powder
  • Cayenne Powder - this is optional. Omit if you don't like spicy food.
  • Salt and Pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

Place all ingredients into a bowl and mix well to combine. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and place in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to marinate.

chicken thighs in a glass bowl covered in spices.

Use tongs to place chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It's ok if they are touching but don't overlap.

chicken thighs in an air fryer basket.

Cook the chicken thighs on 190C / 360F for 10-15 minutes or until cooked through and internal temperature registers 74C / 165F.

cooked chicken thighs in an air fryer basket.

Move the chicken thighs to a plate and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

HOW TO USE THE CHICKEN THIGHS

There's so many ways you can use these chicken thighs. Here's a few ideas:

  • My favourite way to use these chicken thighs is to serve them with my turmeric rice and a simple garlic yogurt sauce.
  • Use them to make chicken wraps - just add your favourite salad items and sauce.
  • Cut the chicken thighs up and add them to a salad for a lighter dinner.
  • Serve them as is with some veggies or a side salad.
chicken thighs on a plate with parsley.

TIPS FOR MAKING THIS RECIPE

  • This cooking method works best with boneless, skinless chicken thighs. I love that chicken thighs have some fat on them and this helps keep the chicken juicy while it's cooked.
  • Feel free to modify by using your favourite spices. I love the combination of garlic powder and paprika because it is just enough to add a little flavour without being overwhelming, and can then be used in many ways. But really any combination of spices will work.
  • I highly recommend investing in a meat thermometer. You can get a decent cheap one for around $10 - $15 but it takes all the guess work out of whether meat is cooked or not. You'll want to check the internal temperature of the chicken is 74C / 165F before serving.
  • Most basket-style air fryers will fit 4 chicken thighs easily in a single layer. If you have a rack-style air fryer you will be able to fit more, and can double the recipe if you'd like.

MORE AIR FRYER RECIPES

  • Air Fryer Whole Chicken
  • Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Thighs
  • Air Fryer Sausages
  • Air Fryer Roast Pork
  • Air Fryer Karaage Chicken
  • Air Fryer Corn Dogs
  • OR see all Air Fryer Recipes

Want more great Air Fryer recipes?  Be sure to join our Facebook Group – Air Fryer Fun.

If you’ve tried these Air Fryer Chicken Thighs I’d love to hear how you enjoyed them! Pop a comment and a star rating below! 

You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to keep up to date with more delicious recipes.

cookitrealgood.com
Privacy PolicyWork with meContact

Never Miss A Recipe!

Copyright © 2024 Cook It Real Good.
PinterestPinterestInstagramInstagramFacebookFacebook

RECIPE

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Prep Time

5 minutes

Cook Time

15 minutes

Total Time

20 minutes

These Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are my go-to for a quick weeknight dinner. You'll get the most deliciously juicy chicken thighs every time and they're ready so quickly in the air fryer. Cut them up into a salad, or put them on top of some rice.

5 Stars (3 Reviews)

servings

4

Scale

Ingredients

Instructions

1

Place all ingredients into a bowl and mix well to combine. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and place in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to marinate.

2

Use tongs to place chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It's ok if they are touching but don't overlap.

3

Cook the chicken thighs on 190C / 360F for 10-15 minutes or until cooked through and internal temperature registers 74C / 165F.

4

Move the chicken thighs to a plate and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes
  • This cooking method works best with boneless, skinless chicken thighs. I love that chicken thighs have some fat on them and this helps keep the chicken juicy while it's cooked.
  • Feel free to modify by using your favourite spices. I love the combination of garlic powder and paprika because it is just enough to add a little flavour without being overwhelming, and can then be used in many ways. But really any combination of spices will work.
  • I highly recommend investing in a meat thermometer. You can get a decent cheap one for around $10 - $15 but it takes all the guess work out of whether meat is cooked or not. You'll want to check the internal temperature of the chicken is 74C / 165F before serving.
  • Most basket-style air fryers will fit 4 chicken thighs easily in a single layer. If you have a rack-style air fryer you will be able to fit more, and can double the recipe if you'd like.

Did you make this? Tell us about it!

Nutrition Facts

Servings:4
Serving Size:1

Amount Per Serving:

calories

219kcal

carbohydrates

1g

protein

27g

fat

12g

saturated fat

3g

polyunsaturated fat

9g

cholesterol

137mg

sodium

273mg

About Cook It Real Good

Cook It Real Good focuses on making the most of simple ingredients. Learn to cook fast, easy meals that don't sacrifice taste. Oh and the less washing up, the better!

Learn More

Recent Recipes

See more

garlic parmesan sauce recipe
Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Air Fryer Meatballs
Air Fryer Meatballs
Oatmeal Smoothie
Oatmeal Smoothie
Watermelon Salad with Feta
Watermelon Salad with Feta
Chicken Florentine
Chicken Florentine

Trending

Strawberry Mango Popsicles
Strawberry Mango Popsicles
healthy banana pancakes stacked on a pattered plate with butter and maple syrup on top
Healthy Banana Pancakes
close up image of greek salad topped with lemon slice
Easy Greek Salad
pumpkin, haloumi and avocado salad
Pumpkin, Halloumi and Avocado Salad
roast pumpkin and chickpea salad
Roast Pumpkin and Chickpea Salad

Air Fryer

See more

Whole roast chicken sitting in air fryer basket.
Air Fryer Roast Chicken
breakfast potatoes on a white plate.
Air Fryer Crispy Breakfast Potatoes {Home Fries}
roasted cauliflower on a white plate.
Air Fryer Roasted Cauliflower
Air Fryer Tilapia with Garlic Butter Sauce
Air Fryer Tilapia with Garlic Butter Sauce
French fries on a grey plate with a bowl of aioli.
Air Fryer Frozen French Fries

Peanut Butter Eggs Recipe 🥜🥚🍫 : https://www.cookitrealgood.com/peanut-butter-eggs/

OR comment with "Peanut" and I'll DM you the link!

For me, this Peanut Butter Eggs recipe is a holiday staple—not just for Easter. It’s my ultimate comfort treat that shows up during every festive season, including the run-up to Christmas. I hope that’s not weird 😆😁.

They've got that nostalgic chocolate-peanut butter combo everyone loves, but with a homemade twist that makes them even better. Plus, you can dip and drizzle them in any chocolate you like—dark, white, milk—and decorate them to look just like colourful eggs.

#peanutbuttereggs #peanutbutterrecipe #appetizerrecipes #sweetTooth #chocolatepeanut #cookitrealgood #peanutandchocolate
Cook Real. Eat Good.

https://www.cookitrealgood.com/  is your go-to spot for simple, reliable recipes that actually work in real kitchens. We focus on approachable comfort food, tested tips, and no-fuss cooking you can feel confident about. Whether it’s a holiday dish or an everyday meal, we’re here to make cooking easier and more fun.

#cookitrealgood #easymeals #quickrecipes #airfryerrecipes #appetizersideas #EasyLunchRecipe #dinner
Nutella Brownies

Honestly, I first tried making these on a whim. A friend and I were having a lazy weekend baking session, and we had a jar of chocolate hazelnut spread lying around. We decided to see what happened if we added it to our brownie batter.

Ingredients:

125g unsalted butter
100g brown sugar
50g granulated sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
200g Nutella
¼ teaspoon salt
150g all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
100g dark chocolate chips

OR comment with "NUTELLA" and I'll DM you the full recipe 🖐

#nutellabrownies #nutellarecipes #browniesrecipe #brownies #cookitrealgood #chocolatelover #chocolatebrownies
Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe 🥬🍴: https://www.cookitrealgood.com/roasted-brussels-sprouts/

Still recovering from the nightmare of being force-fed stinky and bitter boiled brussels sprouts as a child?  Never fear - these Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon will turn even the most adamant brussels sprouts hater around.

Brussels sprouts really shine when oven roasted - crisp and caramelised on the outside and tender on the inside.  Not to mention how simple it is - throw everything on a tray in the oven for 25 minutes and voila!

#brusselssprouts #brusselssproutsrecipe #RoastedVeggies #veggiesrecipe #cookitrealgood #healthylifestyle #healthyrecipes
Chicken Florentine

If you're craving a comforting, creamy dish, Chicken Florentine is the answer. Imagine golden-fried chicken smothered in a rich, garlic spinach cream sauce. The sauce is silky smooth, with just the right amount of tang from the Parmesan cheese and a burst of flavor from the fresh baby spinach.

Ingredients: 

For the chicken:

2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon onion powder
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons olive oil

For the sauce:

3 tablespoons butter
1 large shallot, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh baby spinach

OR comment with "FLORENTINE" and I'll DM you the full recipe. 

#chickenflorentine #creamychicken #chickenrecipes #cookitrealgood #CreamyGoodness #italianfood #ItalianCuisine #ItalianChicken
Glazed Carrots full recipe 🥕🍵: https://www.cookitrealgood.com/#sidedishrecipes 

OR comment with "CARROT" and I'll DM you the link! 🖐🍴

Maybe it’s because of the cute color—my kids really love carrots. Especially when they’re roasted with potatoes, the kids go wild for it… well, their dad too, haha. But I’m worried they’ll get bored, so I try to look for different recipe variations where carrots are the main ingredient. 

#glazedcarrots #carrotrecipes #vegetarianrecipes #cookitrealgood #veggies #sidedishes #sidedishrecipes
The long-awaited holiday season is finally here. 
Gathering with family on this joyful Christmas day 🎄✨. 

Celebrate the holidays deliciously with cookitrealgood.com!

20 Christmas Main Dishes: https://www.cookitrealgood.com/christmas-main-dishes/
30 Christmas Side Dishes: https://www.cookitrealgood.com/30-christmas-side-dishes/

OR comment with "XMAS" and I'll DM you the link 🤗

#ChristmasMenu2025 #christmasmaindishes #ChristmasSideDish #christmasfoodideas #cookitrealgood #holidayseason #christmas2025
Mexican Chicken Salad Full Recipe 🌯🥗: https://www.cookitrealgood.com/mexican-chicken-salad/

OR comment with "MEXICAN" and I'll DM you the link! 🖐

I love Mexican food, so it's no surprise that one of my favourite salads is Mexican inspired.  This Mexican Chicken Salad is full of good-for-you ingredients and is filling enough to be a complete meal on its own.  The chicken is juicy and bursting with flavour.

It's on the table in 15 minutes.  Yes, you heard right - 15 minutes!  This does require a little multi-tasking, like chopping salad ingredients while waiting for the chicken breast to cook.  But totally doable.

#mexicanchickensalad #mexicansalad #mexicanrecipe #saladrecipe #cookitrealgood #mexicancuisine #healthyeating
Gigi Hadid Pasta 🫕🍴

Maybe this is the closest I’ll ever get to Gigi Hadid, hahaha. This Gigi Hadid Pasta is actually just a version of the classic Italian-American dish, penne alla vodka. But back during the Covid era, Gigi Hadid shared the recipe on her social media, and ever since then, everyone’s been calling it Gigi Hadid Pasta.

Plus, it's super simple to make with minimum prep time, so even if you're not a pro in the kitchen, you've got this.

Here's what you'll need to make this recipe:

8 ounces or 225 grams of pasta (like penne)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 small shallot, chopped (or red onion)
¼ cup tomato paste
2 tablespoons vodka (optional)
½ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon chilli flakes (or add red pepper flakes)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
1 tablespoon butter
A handful of fresh basil for garnish

OR comment with "GIGI" and I'll DM you the full recipe 😁🤗

#gigihadidpasta #gigihadid #pastarecipe #vodkapasta #pennepasta #cookitrealgood  #easypastarecipe #easyrecipe
Follow On Instagram @cookitrealgood

You May Also Like

garlic parmesan sauce recipe
Quick and Easy
Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Air Fryer
Air Fryer Meatballs
Quick and Easy
Watermelon Salad with Feta
Dinner
Chicken Florentine

5

3 comments & reviews

Ilse Blank

Ilse Blank

October 6, 2020

This is a brilliant recipe. Thank you so much!

Cassie

Cassie

October 6, 2020

So glad you enjoyed it!

Donna

Donna

February 10, 2022

Delicious and ez!!

Kurt Wallinger

Kurt Wallinger

December 9, 2022

This is my first time making chicken thighs in the air fryer and they turned out juicy and tasty. I added less than the recommended cayenne but next time I would add the full amount - it wasn't that spicy. This was a nice recipe for a quick weeknight meal.

Leave a Comment