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    Everyday Family Eats » Air Fryer

    Smoky Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

    Published: Feb 22, 2024 by Kelli Avila · This post may contain affiliate links ·

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    Jump to Recipe
    Sliced air fryer chicken thighs on a cutting board.

    These perfectly seasoned Smoky Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are versatile for both quick dinners and weekly meal prep. Keep this recipe in your back pocket for whenever you need an effortless dinner idea.

    Cooked air fryer chicken thighs in an air fryer basket.

    Easy weeknight dinners so often call for chicken (Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice, Chicken Broccoli Ziti, these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites, or the ranch version), and for good reason: Chicken's versatility makes it a reliable, healthy source of lean protein, perfect for various flavor combinations.

    But sometimes our lives are so hectic that even those easy weeknight dinners are just too much to ask; enter the air fryer. It was when I started cooking chicken in the air fryer, that I felt I had unlocked a new level in the perpetual game of "what can I make for dinner that's quick and easy." Using the air-fryer with a simple sweet and smoky rub is the most fuss-free and hands-off way to cook chicken, but beyond that, it's also insanely good.

    On super busy nights I'll serve these with a simple salad (Cucumber Avocado Salad or Peach Avocado Salad are some go-to's) or a few cut up raw veggies and a tortilla or flatbread on the side. It's protein-packed, wholesome, and, best of all, my entire family enjoys it.

    So let's get to making it! You can jump around the article using the menu below, or you can just head right to the bottom for the complete recipe.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients Needed and Substitutions
    • Let's Discuss Air Fryers
    • Step-By-Step Recipe Overview
    • Kelli's Best Tips
    • Serving and Storing
    • More Chicken Recipes
    • What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
    • Full Recipe
    Sliced air fryer chicken thighs on a cutting board.

    Ingredients Needed and Substitutions

    Here is a brief overview of the ingredients needed for this recipe. The truth is, chicken thighs are truly able to take on whatever flavor your heart desires. But I'm sharing a lovely smoky, slightly sweet rub that I think you'll love. But you could just as easily use a pre-made spice mix you have on hand.

    • boneless skinless chicken thighs
    • spices: smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder
    • olive oil (or whatever oil you typically use)
    • red wine vinegar (or another vinegar you like)
    • honey (this adds just a hint of sweetness that really amps up the other flavors, and it helps brown the meat)
    • fresh ground black pepper and coarse kosher salt (this recipe was tested using Diamond Crystal coarse kosher salt. If you use Morton's kosher salt or fine salt, decrease by about half for volume, or use the same amount by weight.)
    • avocado oil spray (or similar air-fryer safe oil for coating the basket)

    Let's Discuss Air Fryers

    There are various types of air fryers available in the market, including the "basket style" and the "oven style". At home I use a larger oven-style air fryer, which has a bigger capacity. If your air fryer has a very small basket-style capacity, you may have to cook the chicken breasts in batches to ensure proper air circulation.

    Step-By-Step Recipe Overview

    This is a quick visual overview of the steps needed to make this recipe. If you are looking for the full recipe, keep scrolling!

    Chicken tossed with seasonings in a bowl for air fryer chicken thighs.

    Step 1: Coat the chicken thighs with the honey, oil, vinegar and spices.

    Seasoned chicken in an air fryer basket for air fryer chicken thighs.

    Step 2: Place the meat spaced apart on the greased air fryer basket.

    Cooked chicken in an air fryer basket for air fryer chicken thighs.

    Step 3: Cook for 14-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until above 170º.

    Cooked air fryer chicken thighs in an air fryer basket.

    Step 4: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

    Kelli's Best Tips

    The meat can be marinated ahead of time (up to 24 hours) or cooked immediately.

    Unlike chicken breasts, chicken thighs have a more forgiving cooking window because of their higher fat content and darker meat. The fat keeps them moist, while the dark meat adds flavor and juiciness, allowing for a wider temperature range.

    Cooking chicken thighs to a slightly higher temperature than the typical 165ºF, can result in a better texture because it allows more of the connective tissues to break down. This breakdown of collagen results in a more tender and juicy texture. Aim for around 170-175°F.

    The best way to gauge the temp of your meat is with an instant-read thermometer. If you don't have one already, it's worth the minor investment.

    Sliced air fryer chicken thighs on a plate with winter slaw and balsamic roasted root vegetables.

    Serving and Storing

    After the chicken has finished cooking, and rested for five minutes, it is ready to serve! It can be sliced and served immediately, or used for meal prep later in the week. Let it cool completely and then store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cooked chicken can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

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    What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

    • An instant pot insert filled with cooked corn on the cobb.
      Instant Pot Corn on the Cob
    • Sliced garlic bread.
      Easy Homemade Garlic Bread
    • A serving size portion of cucumber avocado salad.
      Cucumber Avocado Salad
    • Goat cheese salad with cranberries.
      John's Goat Cheese Salad

    Making the recipe? Be sure to leave a comment with a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review on your experience! Have a question? Leave a comment below and I’ll get back to you as quickly as I can!

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    Full Recipe

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    Cooked air fryer chicken thighs in an air fryer basket.

    Smoky Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
    • Author: Kelli Avila
    • Prep Time: 00:05
    • Cook Time: 00:15
    • Total Time: 20 minutes
    • Yield: Serves 4
    • Category: Chicken
    • Method: Air-Fryer
    • Cuisine: American
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    Description

    These perfectly seasoned Smoky Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are versatile for both quick dinners and weekly meal prep. Keep this recipe in your back pocket for whenever you need an effortless dinner idea.


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 1-½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 6)
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 2 teaspoons honey
    • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
    • 1-½ teaspoons coarse kosher salt
    • 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
    • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • Avocado oil spray (or similar air-fryer safe oil for coating the basket)

    Instructions

    1. Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF (if your air fryer requires it).
    2. In a medium bowl, mix together chicken thighs, oil, honey, paprika, salt, vinegar, cumin, garlic powder, and black pepper.
    3. Lightly coat the air fryer basket with oil (I use a non-aerosol avocado oil spray) then place the chicken thighs in it, spaced evenly apart.
    4. Cook the chicken for 14-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the it reaches an internal temperature above 165ºF and there are crispy browned bits on the edges of the meat. 
    5. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes.
    6. Serve, or cool down and store in the refrigerator for meal-prep throughout the week.

    Notes

    This recipe was tested using Diamond Crystal coarse kosher salt. If you use Morton's kosher salt or fine salt, decrease by half for volume.

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    Hi, I'm so glad you are here!

    I'm Kelli, the creator of Everyday Family Eats, this space where I share easy and quick recipes the whole family will love! I'm a former professional cook and baker, and full-time working mom, who is passionate about creating approachable dinner ideas that allow the whole family to gather at the table and enjoy a meal together.

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