Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat function, don’t worry! Just run the air fryer at 400°F for about 5 minutes before adding the chicken. This ensures the air fryer is at the right temperature for crispy skin and even cooking.
2. Prepare the Chicken Thighs: Once the air fryer is ready, it’s time to prep the chicken. Pat the chicken thighs dry using a paper towel. This step is essential because it removes excess moisture from the skin, which helps achieve that perfect crispy texture. The drier the chicken skin, the better it will crisp up in the air fryer.
3. Season the Chicken: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the chicken thighs. Use your hands to rub the oil into the skin, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. This will help the seasoning stick and create a beautiful crispy texture.
In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Mix the spices together, then rub the seasoning mix all over the chicken thighs. Make sure to coat both sides and even work some of the seasoning under the skin if possible. This will infuse the chicken with rich flavors that are enhanced during the air frying process.
4. Place the Chicken in the Air Fryer: Now, it’s time to cook! Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin-side down. Arrange them in a single layer, making sure they’re not overcrowded. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and a less crispy skin. If needed, cook the thighs in batches.
5. Cook the Chicken: Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook the chicken for 12 minutes. After this time, flip the chicken so the skin side is facing up. This ensures both sides of the chicken get that nice, golden-brown color. Cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The skin should be crispy, and the meat should be juicy and fully cooked.
6. Rest and Serve: Once the chicken thighs are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for about 5 minutes. Resting the chicken allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it tender and moist. After the rest period, serve the chicken with your favorite sides!
Notes
Troubleshooting Common Issues:
- Chicken is not crispy enough: If your chicken doesn’t get as crispy as you’d like, try patting it dry even more thoroughly before seasoning. The moisture is the main culprit when it comes to preventing crispy skin.
- Chicken is overcooked: If you’re worried about overcooking your chicken, a meat thermometer is your best friend. It helps you avoid dry, overcooked chicken. For juicy, tender chicken thighs, the internal temperature should be 165°F. Be sure to check the thickest part of the meat.
- Seasoning unevenly distributed: To ensure the seasoning is spread evenly, rub the seasoning under the skin and all over the chicken before cooking. This will guarantee that every bite is packed with flavor.
Air Fryer Tips for Success:
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket: Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking, with some pieces undercooked while others get too crispy. Leave some space between the chicken thighs for optimal air circulation and even cooking.
- Rotate the chicken halfway through: If you want to ensure the crispiest skin, flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time to allow both sides to crisp up evenly.
- Use a meat thermometer: While air fryers cook quickly, it’s always a good idea to check the internal temperature. Chicken should reach 165°F to be fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes