Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
These crispy air fryer chicken thighs are an easy way to get juicy meat and golden, crackly skin with very little effort. A light seasoned flour coating helps the outside crisp up beautifully, making this a reliable weeknight chicken recipe you'll want to make again.
Servings4 Portions
Prep Time5 Mins
Cook Time45 Mins
Difficulty
Easy
Ingredients
4
- large chicken thighs, skin-on4
- sunflower or olive oil1 tbsp
- plain flour1 tbsp
- seasoning of choice1 tsp
Step-by-Step Instructions
01
Pat the chicken thighs dry, then place them in a large bowl. Drizzle with the oil and toss well so each piece is lightly and evenly coated.
02
In a separate bowl, combine the flour with your chosen seasoning. Sprinkle the mixture over the chicken and toss until the thighs are lightly coated on all sides. For a thicker crust, double the flour and seasoning.
03
Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray, skin-side up, leaving space between each piece. Air fry at 200C/400F for 35 minutes.
04
Check for doneness by cutting near the bone or using a thermometer; the thickest part should reach 74C/165F and the juices should run clear. If needed, cook for 5 to 10 minutes longer until the skin is crisp and the chicken is fully cooked.
05
Remove the chicken from the air fryer right away and serve hot. Do not leave it in the basket after cooking, as trapped steam will soften the skin.
Chef's Tips
For the crispiest skin, pat the chicken dry before seasoning and avoid overcrowding the air fryer. You can use olive oil or sunflower oil, and any dry seasoning blend works well, such as paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispness.
