Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer
Ready in about 34 minutes.
Published by the RecipeAirFryer editorial team · How we source times · Updated
Times and temperatures come from our reviewed cooking database. Explanatory text on each page is generated from that entry so the numbers stay consistent.
Cook bone-in chicken thighs in an air fryer at 200°C / 400°F for 22-26 minutes, flipping halfway, until the thickest part reaches 74°C / 165°F.
Written for 4. Cook in batches rather than stacking if you scale up.
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Method
- 1Pat the thighs completely dry and rub with the oil.
- 2Mix the salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder and pepper, then coat the thighs all over.
- 3Preheat the air fryer to 200°C / 400°F for 3 minutes.
- 4Place the thighs skin-side up in a single layer.
- 5Air fry for 22-26 minutes, flipping halfway, until the skin is crisp.
- 6Check they reach 74°C / 165°F, then rest for 5 minutes and serve.
Tips for the best results
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs come out with shatteringly crisp skin and juicy meat every time. A simple rub and a hot air fryer do all the work.
- Start skin-side down, then finish skin-side up for the crispiest result.
- Do not crowd the basket or the skin will steam instead of crisp.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Crowding the basket so air fryer chicken thighs steams instead of browning.
- Skipping the flip halfway, which leaves one side pale.
- Trusting the clock instead of a probe - Air Fryer Chicken Thighs is ready at 74°C / 165°F in the thickest part.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long to cook chicken thighs in an air fryer?
Bone-in, skin-on thighs take 22-26 minutes at 200°C / 400°F. Flip halfway. The USDA FSIS safe-temperature chart lists 74°C / 165°F in the thickest part as the safe temperature for chicken.
What temperature and time for air fryer chicken thighs?
A typical starting point is 200°C / 400°F for 22-26 min, flip halfway. Thickness and wattage change the finish, so check early.
How do I know air fryer chicken thighs is cooked through?
Use a probe in the thickest part. Air Fryer Chicken Thighs should reach 74°C / 165°F. Rest a few minutes before slicing so juices settle.
How many people does air fryer chicken thighs serve?
This recipe is written for 4. For a fuller basket, cook in batches rather than stacking, or add a couple of minutes and shake more often.
Can I use boneless thighs?
Yes - boneless, skinless thighs cook faster, about 16-18 minutes at 200°C / 400°F.