Imagine sinking your teeth into perfectly golden, incredibly crispy chicken thighs that are juicy on the inside and packed with flavor - without spending hours in the kitchen or dealing with greasy mess! These Air Fryer Roasted Chicken Thighs are about to revolutionize your weeknight dinner game, delivering restaurant-quality results in just 35 minutes with minimal effort. Whether you're a busy parent, a cooking novice, or a seasoned home chef looking for a quick and delicious meal, this recipe is your ticket to an impressive dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove chicken thighs from refrigerator 20-30 minutes before cooking to allow them to reach room temperature, which ensures more even cooking.
- Pat chicken thighs completely dry using paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps achieve crispy skin.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a uniform seasoning blend.
- Brush or rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken thigh, ensuring complete and consistent coverage.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will help create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
- Arrange chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. If necessary, cook in batches to maintain proper air circulation.
- Cook chicken thighs for 22-25 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking time to ensure even browning and crispy skin.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Chicken is safe to eat when it reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
- Once cooked, let chicken thighs rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added flavor and presentation.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Always let chicken come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
- Dry is Key: Thoroughly pat chicken dry with paper towels to achieve that coveted crispy skin. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
- Don't Overcrowd: Give your chicken thighs breathing room in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding prevents proper air circulation and can lead to uneven cooking.
- Flip for Fairness: Turning the chicken halfway through cooking ensures beautiful, even browning on all sides.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety, but avoid overcooking.
- Rest Time is Crucial: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and succulent.
- Experiment with Seasonings: While this recipe offers a classic blend, don't be afraid to try different spice combinations to keep things interesting!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
