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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Perfect Golden Skin

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These crispy air fryer chicken thighs deliver shatteringly golden skin and juicy meat in under 30 minutes. A simple seasoning blend and a secret baking powder trick make this the ultimate weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon aluminum-free baking powder
  • Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper or lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. Let them sit on a plate for 5 minutes.
  2. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, pepper, and baking powder. Break up any lumps.
  3. Drizzle olive oil over the thighs and rub in gently. Sprinkle seasoning mixture evenly over both sides. Let rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  4. Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Arrange thighs skin-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd.
  6. Cook for 12 minutes. Do not open the basket.
  7. Flip thighs using tongs. Cook for another 10-12 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 175°F (79°C) in the thickest part without touching bone.
  8. Remove and rest on a wire rack for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Patting the skin dry is non-negotiable for crispiness. Do not overcrowd the basket. Use a meat thermometer for best results. For extra crispiness, use aluminum-free baking powder. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken thighs, air fryer chicken, easy chicken dinner, weeknight dinner, gluten-free, keto-friendly

Find it online: https://rowanrecipes.com/crispy-air-fryer-chicken-thighs-with-perfect-golden-skin/