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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs: Easy Budget-Friendly Dinner

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These crispy air fryer chicken thighs deliver impossibly crackly skin and juicy, tender meat without the deep fryer or the mess. A budget-friendly, quick, and easy dinner that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs / 900g)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (15ml)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder (aluminum-free, optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. Press firmly to remove as much moisture as possible from the skin. Let them sit on a plate for 5 minutes while you prep the seasoning.
  2. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Preheating is crucial for even cooking.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and baking powder (if using). Mix until it forms a paste-like consistency.
  4. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss to coat evenly. Use your hands to massage the seasoning into every nook and cranny, especially under the skin if you can.
  5. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer with a little space between each piece. Do not overcrowd.
  6. Cook at 380°F (193°C) for 18 minutes. Do not flip or open the basket during this time.
  7. Carefully flip the chicken thighs using tongs. Be gentle so you do not tear the skin.
  8. Increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the skin is shatteringly crispy.
  9. Check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, away from the bone.
  10. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Notes

Patience is key with the skin. The biggest mistake is not drying the chicken thoroughly. Do not overcrowd the basket to avoid steaming. Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness. Let chicken come to room temperature 15-20 minutes before cooking for even results. Keep skin side down first to render fat. Do not use cooking spray on the air fryer basket. If you see smoke, a little is normal from fat rendering. For larger thighs, add 2-3 minutes to the first cooking stage.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken thighs, budget-friendly dinner, easy chicken recipe, gluten-free chicken, keto chicken

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/crispy-air-fryer-chicken-thighs-easy-budget-friendly-dinner/