Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Crispy-skinned chicken thighs in about 30 minutes, with a rub that does the work. Oven directions included.

Video coming soon
PLACEHOLDER: add videoId to this recipe's frontmatter.
Ingredients
Ingredients for servings
Enter a number of at least ½, in steps of ½.
Original recipe serves 4. Ingredient amounts adjust automatically. Cooking times and pan size may need adjusting separately.
- 2 lb bone-in chicken thighs, skin on, patted very dry
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
Rub
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Steps
Step 1: Pat the thighs completely dry with paper towels. Dry skin is crispy skin.
Step 2: Mix the rub. Toss the thighs in the oil, then coat them all over with the rub.
Step 3: Air fryer: heat to 380°F. Cook skin side down for 12 minutes, flip, and cook 10 to 12 more minutes until the thickest part hits 175°F.
Step 4: Oven instead: 425°F on a rack over a sheet pan, 35 to 40 minutes, flipping once at the halfway point.
Step 5: Rest 5 minutes. Serve with rice, cornbread, or whatever side is closest.
SAMPLE CONTENT. Placeholder recipe written to test the template and the ingredient search. Replace this text with the host’s real notes.
Thighs forgive mistakes. Breasts hold grudges.
Tips
- Use the thermometer. Thighs are best at 175°F, not the 165°F you hear for breasts.
- Leftovers reheat great in the air fryer, 4 minutes at 350°F.
Related recipes
GriddlePan fryDinnerSampleGriddle Chicken Fried Rice
Day-old rice, diced chicken, eggs and a little soy sauce on a hot Blackstone. Beats takeout and the parking lot.
30 min · serves 4 · Chicken
OvenCast iron / Dutch ovenSideSampleSkillet Cornbread
Cast iron cornbread with a crunchy golden bottom and a tender middle. Goes with everything on this site.
35 min · serves 8 · No meat
GriddleDinnerSampleBlackstone Smash Burger
Thin, crispy-edged griddle burgers with melty cheese and a sauce that does most of the talking.
25 min · serves 4 · Beef