Bone in Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer

My bone in chicken thighs in the air fryer get that crispy and buttery skin on the outside while staying juicy and tender inside. They’re only made with 6 ingredients and take just 20 minutes to cook!

My Favorite Way to Make Air Fryer Bone in Chicken Thighs

Bone in chicken thighs in the air fryer have been a staple in my house for years now. My kids just love chicken, so I’ve found any way I can make it to enjoy dinner without any complaints.

I wanted to make a chicken thigh recipe that was super easy to make, but didn’t lack in flavor. I added in the poultry seasoning for that very reason. It’s like an array of flavors, but in one little jar!

Plus, using bone in chicken thighs gives you that juicier and more flavorful meat compared to the boneless kind that needs a little more help.

These air fryer bone in chicken thighs has become one of my daughter Leah’s favorite way to eat chicken and I make it constantly with how quick it is to put together!

For more chicken thigh recipes, check out my air fryer honey soy chicken thighs, air fryer boneless chicken thighs, air fryer bbq chicken thighs, slow cooker chicken thighs, and grilled chicken thighs!

Air Fry Bone in Chicken Thighs Ingredients

• Bone-in chicken thighs – I use bone-in, skin-on for the best balance of crispy skin and juicy meat. I try to choose thighs that are roughly even in size so they cook at the same rate.
• Olive oil – A light coating helps the seasoning stick and encourages even browning. Avocado oil also works well.
• Salt and black pepper – These build the base flavor and bring out the natural richness of the chicken.
• Garlic powder – A sprinkle adds savory depth without burning like fresh garlic can.
• Onion powder – I only use a pinch to round out the flavor.
• Poultry seasoning – This gives the chicken classic, comforting flavors without extra measuring. The pre-mixed blend of seasonings is so convenient!

How to Make Bone in Chicken Thighs in the AIr Fryer

STEP ONE: Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees F. 

STEP TWO: Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Combine the poultry seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl. Rub the meat with the seasoning mixture until it is completely covered.

STEP THREE: Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer and cook them for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. They are done when a meat thermometer reads an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. 

Recipe Tips

• I use bone-in, skin-on thighs in my recipe because the crispy skin is just so good, but I also like how the bone keeps the meat juicy.
• Before any seasoning goes on, I pat dry each thigh thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture that can prevent the skin from crisping up.
• To make sure the bone-in chicken thighs cook evenly, I place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket with space between each one. It’s better to cook in batches than overcrowd the basket.
• I flip the chicken thighs in the air fryer halfway through the cooking time and finish them skin side up.
• After the thighs finish cooking, I let them rest for just a few minutes before serving so the meat can reabsorb the juices.

Variations and Substitutions

• When I want a smoky flavor, I’ll add some smoked paprika to the seasoning blend.
• If I don’t have olive oil, I’ll use avocado oil instead. I honestly don’t notice any difference in the taste!
• To add a little heat to the chicken thighs, I’ll sprinkle some red pepper flakes or even a dash of cayenne pepper into the seasoning blend.
• Switching poultry seasoning for Italian seasoning changes the vibe while keeping things simple.
• If I’m in the mood for an herb-forward dish, I’ll add some dried thyme or rosemary to the seasoning blend.

What to Serve with Chicken Thighs

When I want some nice greens to go with my crispy chicken thighs, I love whipping up my air fryer green beans, air fryer broccoli, or air fryer asparagus.

My air fryer chicken thighs also pair really well with air fryer red potatoes, Instant Pot mashed potatoes, or baked sweet potato in the air fryer!

Bone in Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer FAQs

Can I make these with boneless chicken thighs?

If I need to make this recipe with boneless chicken thighs, I shorten the cooking time and watch them closely. The boneless thighs cook faster, but they can dry out more easily without the bone to help keep them moist, so I make sure not to overcook them.

How do I avoid drying them out?

Keeping the skin on and using bone-in chicken thighs helps protect the meat and lock in moisture, so this recipe is already very forgiving. I like to use an Instant Read Thermometer to make sure I cook the chicken to just the right temperature without overcooking the meat.

How should I store leftovers?

I store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the fridge once they’ve cooled completely. They keep well for up to 4 days and stay super juicy!

How do I reheat chicken thighs in the air fryer?

I love reheating leftover chicken thighs in the air fryer so the skin crisps back up instead of turning rubbery. I cooked them in a preheated air fryer at 350 degrees F for about 5 minutes, just until the chicken is heated all the way through.

More Easy Air Fryer Chicken Recipes

• Air fryer drumsticks
• Air fryer chicken tenders
• Air fryer chicken wings
• Grilled chicken in the air fryer
• Air fryer chicken parmesan

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