Juiciest Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Achieve perfectly cooked, unbelievably juicy chicken thighs in your air fryer with this easy recipe. A flavorful marinade and proper cooking technique ensure tender and delicious results every time, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Medium bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Paper towels
- Plastic wrap or resealable bag
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 1.5 - 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs about 6-8
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken to a resealable bag.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the marinated chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked through, remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For best results, ensure the chicken thighs are of similar thickness for even cooking. If not, pound them lightly with a meat mallet. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave until warmed through. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade. Consider using Italian seasoning instead of thyme and oregano for an Italian-inspired flavor.