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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs: Best Golden Crackling Skin

crispy air fryer chicken thighs - featured image
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These air fryer chicken thighs deliver perfectly crispy, golden crackling skin with juicy, tender meat inside—ready in under 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds total)
  • 1½ teaspoons kosher salt (or 1 teaspoon table salt)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon aluminum-free baking powder
  • Olive oil or avocado oil spray

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels, including all crevices. Let sit uncovered for 10 minutes to allow surface moisture to evaporate.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, cayenne (if using), and baking powder until evenly combined.
  3. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs, rubbing it in gently. Lift the skin and rub some seasoning underneath for extra flavor.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F for 5 minutes.
  5. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil spray.
  6. Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side down in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they are not touching. Cook in batches if necessary.
  7. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with oil spray.
  8. Cook at 380°F for 12 minutes without opening the basket.
  9. Carefully flip each thigh using tongs. Spray the newly exposed side lightly with oil.
  10. Cook for another 10-12 minutes at 380°F, until the internal temperature reaches 175-185°F in the thickest part (avoiding the bone).
  11. If desired, increase temperature to 400°F and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness, watching closely to prevent burning.
  12. Transfer chicken to a wire rack or plate and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Patting the chicken completely dry is crucial for crispy skin. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket—cook in batches if needed. Baking powder (aluminum-free) helps the skin brown and crisp. Let chicken rest 5 minutes after cooking to retain juices. For meal prep, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken thighs, golden crackling skin, bone-in chicken thighs, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, keto, low-carb, gluten-free

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/crispy-air-fryer-chicken-thighs-best-golden-crackling-skin/