Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

These Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are a healthy alternative to traditional fried chicken while still producing juicy, flavorful and crispy golden chicken.

These are perfect as a midweek family meal that can be paired with a pasta salad, roasted veggies, or cornbread.

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs on a plate with vegetables

Recipe Notes:

Always use quality chicken – it should be a healthy pink color, not gray or a faded hue.

Feel free to use other seasoning mixes and spices in this recipe. Cajun, Greek spice mix, or a Mexican blend would all be delicious options. For a lovely additional spice, add 1⁄4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chili powder to your seasoning.

Once removed from the refrigerator, allow the chicken to reach room temperature before frying. Cold meats contract when fried and lose a lot of their juices.

Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Rather cook the thighs in batches otherwise crowding will cause them to steam instead of frying and the coatings will be soggy.

Wash your hands well after handling raw chicken. Raw chicken can be a health hazard, and in fact wash your hands in between steps to prevent cross contamination in the kitchen.

You can use parchment paper to line the bottom of the air fryer for an easier cleanup but then make sure that it’s perforated so that sufficient air circulation occurs for a crispy exterior.

How can I store my leftover chicken thighs?

You can store any leftover fried chicken thighs in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap.

You can also opt to freeze your fried chicken thighs for up to 3 months. Once completely cooled, wrap the thighs in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to store in a Ziploc bag or airtight container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 400F for 15-18 minutes.

How do I know if my chicken thighs are fully cooked?

If you want to make sure that your chicken is completely cooked through, insert a food thermometer into the thickest section of the meat. The internal temperature of your chicken should read 165F for it to be safe to eat.

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What do you serve with chicken thighs?

A side of vegetables, legumes, a light salad, mashed potato, homemade dinner rolls, or French fries would all be great side dish options to pair with your fried chicken thighs.