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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs: The Best Easy Fall Dinner

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These crispy air fryer chicken thighs are the perfect cozy fall dinner. With a simple dry brine and a specific temperature trick, you’ll get shatteringly crisp skin and juicy, tender meat every time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Place them on a plate and let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  2. Mix the seasoning: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using). Stir well.
  3. Season the chicken: Drizzle olive oil over the chicken thighs and rub it in gently. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over both sides of each thigh, working it into the skin.
  4. Preheat the air fryer: Set the air fryer to 380°F (190°C) and preheat for about 3 minutes.
  5. Arrange the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching. Cook in batches if necessary.
  6. Cook the chicken: Air fry at 380°F for 12 minutes. Carefully flip each thigh using tongs, then cook for another 6-10 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is deep golden brown and crispy.
  7. Rest before serving: Let the chicken rest on a cutting board or plate for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra crispiness, increase the temperature to 400°F for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. If using boneless, skinless thighs, reduce cooking time to 12-15 minutes. To prevent sticking, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken thighs, easy fall dinner, quick weeknight dinner, gluten-free chicken, dairy-free chicken, low-carb chicken

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/crispy-air-fryer-chicken-thighs-the-best-easy-fall-dinner/