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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs (No Breading) in 20 Minutes

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These crispy air fryer chicken thighs require no breading and are ready in under 20 minutes. The skin gets shatteringly crispy while the meat stays juicy and tender, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 to 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 to 2 pounds total)
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 to 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (optional but recommended)
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
  • Optional: fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs, lemon juice, flaky sea salt

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. Remove all moisture from the skin.
  2. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 2 to 3 minutes.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder (if using). Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs. Drizzle with 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil and rub it in with your hands.
  4. Arrange the thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer with space between each piece. Do not overcrowd.
  5. Cook at 380°F for 10 minutes. Do not open the basket during this time.
  6. Carefully flip each thigh using tongs. Increase the temperature to 400°F (204°C) and cook for another 6 to 8 minutes.
  7. Check for doneness: internal temperature should reach 175°F to 185°F in the thickest part, or juices run clear when pierced.
  8. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute and skin to stay crispy.

Notes

Pat the skin completely dry for maximum crispiness. Start skin-side down for a better sear. Do not overcrowd the basket. Let the air fryer preheat. Use an instant-read thermometer for best results. Rest the chicken for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken thighs, no breading chicken, keto chicken, gluten-free chicken, quick chicken dinner

Find it online: https://gleefulfork.com/crispy-air-fryer-chicken-thighs-no-breading-in-20-minutes/