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air fryer chicken thighs on a plate
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Air Fryer Chicken Thighs (Crispy & Juicy Recipe)

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are crunchy, crispy, and flavorful, without any excess oil! My easy chicken thighs air fryer recipe is a must-try!
Author: Donna Elick
Servings: 4
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time14 minutes
Total Time19 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 chicken thighs skin-on, bone-in, approximately 2 pounds total
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning or your favorite - see notes
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer at 375 degrees F for 2 to 3 minutes or until your chicken is ready to go into the air fryer (whichever is longer). Preheating helps the chicken start cooking immediately for a crispy exterior.
  • Dry the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. Drying the chicken helps the seasonings adhere better and promotes crispiness. Place the dry chicken in a large bowl.
  • Make the rub: Combine Cajun seasoning, onion powder, black pepper, and brown sugar in a small bowl. Mix well. A well-mixed rub ensures each bite is flavorful.
  • Season the chicken: Evenly sprinkle the mixture onto the chicken thighs and massage/press the rub into the chicken skin. Rubbing the seasoning in helps it penetrate the meat for more flavor.
  • Add cornstarch: Gently sprinkle cornstarch over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Cornstarch aids in creating a crispy texture when air fried.
  • Arrange in air fryer: Place the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Arranging them with space between them ensures even cooking and crispiness on all sides.
  • Cook: Air fry at 375°F for 14 minutes, flipping halfway through with tongs. Flipping ensures even cooking and crispiness on both sides.
  • Check temperature: Confirm chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees F using a meat thermometer. This is the safe cooking temperature for poultry to ensure it's fully cooked.

Notes

Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer's intensity and chicken size.
Boneless thighs can also be used; adjust time and temperature as needed.
Customize the spice level or use a milder alternative like Ranch dressing mix, Italian seasoning, Lemon Pepper Seasoning, BBQ rub, or your favorite.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 288cal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 111mg | Sodium: 91mg | Sugar: 3g | Fiber: 1g | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 2mg