Ingredients:
- Chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless, skin-on or skinless)
- Olive oil or cooking spray
- Seasonings (such as salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or your favorite herbs and spices)
Instructions:
- Prep the Chicken Thighs:
- If using bone-in thighs, trim any excess skin or fat. You can leave the skin on for a crispier result, but it’s optional.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin or breading to become crispy during air frying.
- Season the Chicken:
- Rub the chicken thighs with a small amount of olive oil or spray them with cooking spray. This will help the seasoning stick and promote crispiness.
- Season the chicken thighs with your desired spices and seasonings. A simple mix of salt, pepper, and paprika is a good starting point, but feel free to get creative with your favorite flavors.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature for chicken. This is typically around 375-400°F (190-200°C).
- Arrange the Chicken:
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure there is some space between each thigh to allow for proper air circulation.
- Air Fry the Chicken:
- Cook the chicken thighs in the preheated air fryer for about 20-25 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of the thighs and your air fryer model.
- About halfway through the cooking time, flip the chicken thighs using tongs to ensure even cooking and crispiness on both sides.
- Check for Doneness:
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The chicken is safe to eat when it reaches 165°F (74°C).
- If the chicken isn’t fully cooked or isn’t as crispy as you’d like, you can continue cooking for a few more minutes.
- Serve:
- Once the chicken thighs are cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Optional: Sauce or Glaze
- If you’d like to add a sauce or glaze, you can do so after air frying. Brush it on and return the chicken to the air fryer for a few minutes to caramelize and thicken the sauce.
