Air Fryer Crispy Juicy Bone In Chicken Thighs: 20-Minute Win

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Author: Madison Clarke
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Air fryer crispy juicy bone in chicken thighs recipe

Okay, listen up! If you’re anything like me, weeknights are a *mad* dash. But that doesn’t mean we have to settle for sad, boring dinners, right? That’s where this air fryer crispy juicy bone in chicken thighs recipe comes in. Seriously, this is a game-changer.

I’m talking perfectly crispy skin – that *snap* when you bite into it – and juicy, tender meat. All in under 20 minutes! You read that right. Forget hovering over a hot stove or preheating the oven for ages. The air fryer is your new best friend.

Honestly, I used to dread cooking chicken thighs. They always seemed to take *forever*, and I could never get the skin right. Then I discovered the magic of the air fryer. Now, it’s a weekly staple. Even my picky eaters gobble it up. Trust me, once you try this air fryer crispy juicy bone in chicken thighs recipe, you’ll be hooked too!

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Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Crispy Juicy Bone In Chicken Thighs Recipe

Quick and Easy Air Fryer Crispy Juicy Bone In Chicken Thighs Recipe

Seriously, it’s *fast*. We’re talking dinner on the table in under 20 minutes. Perfect for those crazy weeknights, ya know?

Crispy Skin, Juicy Meat with this Air Fryer Crispy Juicy Bone In Chicken Thighs Recipe

Oh, the *texture*! That crispy skin and super juicy meat? It’s seriously the best of both worlds. You gotta try it!

Simple Ingredients for Air Fryer Crispy Juicy Bone In Chicken Thighs Recipe

No fancy stuff here! You probably already have most of these ingredients in your pantry. Easy peasy!

Healthy Air Fryer Crispy Juicy Bone In Chicken Thighs Recipe Option

Okay, so it *feels* indulgent, but it’s actually pretty good for you. The air fryer means you’re using way less oil than frying. Win-win!

Air Fryer Crispy Juicy Bone In Chicken Thighs Recipe Ingredients

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Nothing too crazy here, I promise. We’re keeping it simple and delicious. This is what you’ll need to whip up these amazing air fryer chicken thighs:

  • 2 lb bone-in chicken thighs – Gotta have the star of the show! I usually grab a pack from the store, but make sure they aren’t *too* huge, or they might take longer to cook.
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil – This helps get that skin super crispy! You can use olive oil too, but I like the higher smoke point of avocado oil.
  • 1 tsp sea salt – Don’t skimp on the salt! It really brings out the flavor.
  • 1 tsp dried thyme – Adds a lovely earthy note. Mmm, I can smell it already!
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika – This is key for that smoky, slightly sweet flavor. Trust me on this one!
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder – Because everything’s better with garlic, right?
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder – Just a little bit for that savory goodness.
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper – Freshly ground is always best, if you have it!

See? Nothing too scary! Just a few simple ingredients, and you’re on your way to the most amazing air fryer crispy juicy bone in chicken thighs recipe EVER!

How To Prepare Air Fryer Crispy Juicy Bone In Chicken Thighs Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, ready to get cooking? Don’t worry, this is super easy. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have the *best* air fryer chicken thighs in no time!

Preparing the Air Fryer Crispy Juicy Bone In Chicken Thighs Recipe

First things first: grab a big bowl and your chicken thighs. Now, this is important: pat those thighs DRY with paper towels. Seriously, don’t skip this! If they’re wet, they’ll steam instead of crisping up. Nobody wants soggy chicken, right?

Next, drizzle about 2 tablespoons of avocado oil all over the chicken. Get your hands in there and make sure every single piece is coated. We want that oil to help the skin get nice and golden!

Seasoning the Air Fryer Crispy Juicy Bone In Chicken Thighs Recipe

Time to add some flavor! Sprinkle that sea salt, dried thyme, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper all over the chicken thighs. Don’t be shy! Again, use your hands to really rub those spices in. Make sure every nook and cranny is covered. We want flavor in *every* bite!

Air Frying the Air Fryer Crispy Juicy Bone In Chicken Thighs Recipe

Alright, here’s the key to crispy perfection: don’t overcrowd the air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) – this is crucial for crispy skin!. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If they’re touching *just* a little, that’s okay, but try to give them some space. If you can’t fit them all in one layer, do it in batches. Trust me, it’s worth it!

Air fry for 15-20 minutes, flipping the chicken after 10 minutes. Now, every air fryer is different, so keep an eye on them. You want the internal temperature to reach at least 170 degrees F. I use a meat thermometer to be sure (and to avoid any oops moments!). You can learn more about safe internal temperatures for chicken here.

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Resting and Serving Your Air Fryer Crispy Juicy Bone In Chicken Thighs Recipe

Okay, the chicken’s done! But don’t dig in *just* yet. Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This lets the juices redistribute, making them even more juicy and delicious. I know, it’s hard to wait, but trust me, it makes a difference!

And that’s it! Serve those amazing air fryer chicken thighs with your favorite sides and enjoy! I’m telling you, this recipe is a winner!

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Crispy Juicy Bone In Chicken Thighs Recipe

Want to take your air fryer chicken thighs to the *next level*? Here are a few of my favorite tips:

First, remember what I said about not overcrowding the air fryer? Seriously, it’s a biggie! Air needs to circulate for that crispy skin. And always, *always* pat your chicken dry before seasoning. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness!

Also, make sure that internal temperature reaches 170°F. A meat thermometer is your best friend here. Nobody wants undercooked chicken, yuck. Follow these tips and you’ll be golden, I promise!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Air Fryer Crispy Juicy Bone In Chicken Thighs Recipe

Okay, so what if you’re missing an ingredient? Don’t panic! Here are a few easy swaps you can make. No avocado oil? Olive oil works just fine! Just keep an eye on the smoke point. And hey, if you’re not a fan of thyme, try rosemary or oregano instead. It’s your kitchen, get creative! Also, feel free to adjust those spices to your liking. Like things spicy? Add a pinch of cayenne! The most important thing is to have fun and make it your own!

FAQ About This Air Fryer Crispy Juicy Bone In Chicken Thighs Recipe

How long should I air fry bone-in chicken thighs?

Good question! You’ll want to air fry those beauties for about 15-20 minutes at 400°F (204°C). But remember, every air fryer is a little different, so keep an eye on them! And always use a meat thermometer to be sure they’re cooked through.

How do I know when the air fryer crispy juicy bone in chicken thighs recipe is done?

The *absolute best* way is with a meat thermometer! Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh, and you’re looking for an internal temperature of at least 170°F (77°C). Safety first, friends!

Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this air fryer crispy juicy bone in chicken thighs recipe?

Totally! Boneless chicken thighs will cook a bit faster, so you’ll want to shave off a few minutes. Start checking them around 12-14 minutes, and, of course, make sure they reach that 170°F internal temperature.

What’s the best way to store leftover air fryer crispy juicy bone in chicken thighs?

Let those leftovers cool completely, then pop them into an airtight container and stash them in the fridge. They’ll be good for about 3-4 days. Reheating instructions are coming up next!

Storage and Reheating Instructions for Air Fryer Crispy Juicy Bone In Chicken Thighs Recipe

Okay, so you’ve got leftovers? Lucky you! To keep them tasty, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, the air fryer is your best bet to revive that crispy skin! Just pop them back in at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that crunch!

Nutritional Information for Air Fryer Crispy Juicy Bone In Chicken Thighs Recipe

Okay, quick disclaimer! The nutritional information here is just an estimate. It can vary a *lot* depending on the exact brands and ingredients you use. So, take it with a grain of salt, okay? It’s not, like, an exact science!

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Enjoy Your Air Fryer Crispy Juicy Bone In Chicken Thighs Recipe

Alright, go get your air fryer on! And hey, if you try this air fryer crispy juicy bone in chicken thighs recipe, leave a comment below and let me know what you think! Bonus points if you share a pic on social media!

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Air fryer crispy juicy bone in chicken thighs recipe

Air Fryer Crispy Juicy Bone In Chicken Thighs: 20-Minute Win

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  • Author: Madison Clarke
  • Prep Time: PT5M
  • Cook Time: PT15M
  • Total Time: PT20M
  • Yield: 8 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Carb

Description

Make crispy and juicy bone-in chicken thighs in your air fryer. This recipe is fast and easy.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lb Bone-in chicken thighs
  • 2 tbsp Avocado oil
  • 1 tsp Sea salt
  • 1 tsp Dried thyme
  • 1 tsp Smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp Onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C).
  2. Place the chicken thighs into a large bowl and pat dry with paper towels. Drizzle with avocado oil and mix to coat.
  3. Season the chicken with salt, dried thyme, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix again to coat.
  4. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer in a single layer, so they are only minimally touching each other. Do this in batches if needed. Do not crowd the air fryer basket.
  5. Air fry bone-in chicken thighs for 15-20 minutes, turning after 10 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches at least 170 degrees F. For boneless chicken thighs, air fry for 12-14 minutes.
  6. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For best results, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 170°F.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 thigh
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg
Hi, I’m Madison!

Nutrition-focused food creator, low-carb advocate, and full-time flavor chaser. I’ve turned my personal journey with low-carb eating into a recipe hub for real people. With easy instructions and wholesome ingredients, I’ll help you eat better one delicious bite at a time.

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