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20+ Best Air Fryer Chicken Thigh Recipes

Chicken thighs are delicious and so easy to make in the air fryer. They are my favorite cut of chicken for meal prep. Here are some delicious boneless chicken thighs and bone-in air fryer chicken thigh recipes.

chicken thigh recipes

Air Fryer Chicken Thigh Recipes

Air Fryer Chicken Thigh Recipes are some of my favorites because they are tasty and versatile. Whether bone-in or boneless, these are super delicious and easy to make.

For several reasons, cooking chicken thighs in an air fryer can be a game-changer. Here’s why you’ll love making chicken thighs in your air fryer:

  1. Crispy Exterior: The air fryer uses hot circulating air to cook the chicken thighs, resulting in a wonderfully crispy exterior. The circulating air helps distribute heat evenly, allowing the skin to become golden and crispy without excessive oil or deep-frying.
  2. Juicy and Tender Meat: Despite the crispy exterior, the air fryer also helps to retain the moisture in the chicken thighs, keeping the meat juicy and tender. The air fryer’s enclosed cooking environment helps seal in the natural juices, resulting in moist and flavorful chicken thighs.
  3. Time Efficiency: The air fryer is known for its ability to cook food faster than traditional methods. Chicken thighs in the air fryer typically take less time to cook than other cooking methods like baking or pan-frying.
  4. Healthier Option: Using an air fryer for chicken thighs can be a healthier alternative to deep-frying. The air fryer requires minimal added oil, reducing the dish’s overall calorie and fat content.
  5. Versatile Seasonings: Air fryers provide a versatile platform for experimenting with various seasonings and flavors. To customize the flavor profile, you can easily season your chicken thighs with your favorite herbs, spices, marinades, or rubs.
  6. Easy Cleanup: Air fryers are typically designed with non-stick cooking surfaces, making cleanup a breeze. Unlike traditional deep-frying methods that involve messy oil splatters and extensive cleaning, the air fryer can be easily wiped clean or placed in the dishwasher, saving you time and effort.

Cooking chicken thighs in your air fryer provides the perfect balance of crispy skin, juicy meat, time efficiency, and healthier cooking compared to other methods. It allows you to enjoy the deliciousness of chicken thighs with less oil and a shorter cooking time while providing a versatile and hassle-free cooking experience.

Chicken Thigh Nutrition 

Here’s the nutrition information for a 3-ounce serving of skinless chicken thigh, per the USDA:

  • 164 calories
  • 9 grams fat
  • 2.4 g saturated fat
  • 0 g carbohydrates
  • 20 g protein
  • 20 micrograms selenium
  • 223 milligrams potassium
  • 1.7 mg zinc
  • 0.4 mcg vitamin B12
  • 0.9 mg iron

Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs

Boneless chicken thighs are a versatile and flavorful cut of poultry that can be used to create a wide variety of delicious and satisfying meals. Boneless chicken thighs offer juicy and tender meat that is packed with flavor.

Here are a few ideas for boneless chicken thigh recipes to inspire you.

white plate with chicken on it. fries on the side. parsley and towel in the back

Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Thighs – These Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Thighs are mouthwateringly juicy! Not to mention they are extremely easy to make. These breaded chicken thighs cook quickly in the air fryer too! You’ll wish you made a double batch!

white plate with chicken on it. parsley and gray towel in the back.

Air Fryer Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs – These Air Fryer Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs always come out perfect. You’ll love how juicy and tender they come out! Perfect for if you need to get dinner on the table quickly. They’re ready in just 14 minutes!

black air fryer with cooked chicken inside

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs – These Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs will be a big hit in your household. The bacon is perfectly crispy, and the chicken thighs are incredibly juicy! The best part is they are super easy to make!

white bowl with rice and chicken inside. green onion sprinkled on top.

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs – Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs embody sweet, savory, and mouth-watering! Incredibly easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Perfect for when you have comfort food cravings!

plateful of chicken thighs and potatoes

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs and Potatoes – These Air Fryer Chicken Thighs and Potatoes are so quick and easy! Make juicy chicken thighs and potatoes all at the same time! Done in less than 30 minutes.

chicken and rice in a white bowl. parsley and white towel in the back

Air Fryer Katsu Chicken Thighs – Air Fryer Katsu Chicken Thighs are crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside. It’s topped with a sweet and deliciously tangy sauce. Serve it with a batch of rice and you are good to go!

Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Thighs
These Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Thighs make for a delicious and easy dinner! Don’t worry these chicken thighs still come out super juicy! Have dinner ready in less than 20 minutes!
Check out this recipe
air fryer boneless chicken thighs on a white plate with herbs.
Air Fryer Paleo Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs is a simple late night dinner. They come out juicy and delicious! These boneless skinless chicken thighs have only 2 ingredients and cooks in less than 20 minutes.
Check out this recipe
paleo teriyaki chicken thighs in an air fryer basket.
Air Fryer Adobo Chicken
This recipe for Air Fryer Adobo Chicken cooks up a beautifully seasoned main in 18-20 minutes! Try making a homemade Adobo Seasoning.
Check out this recipe
Air Fryer Adobo Chicken
Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs – Dishes With Dad
These boneless skinless chicken thighs with lemon and garlic are cooked in an air fryer for an easy weeknight dinner in just 20 minutes!
Check out this recipe
Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs - Dishes With Dad
Easy Chicken Tikka Kebab – Piping Pot Curry
Chicken Tikka Kebab is a delicious North Indian appetizer that is packed with flavor. Cooked in an air fryer in less than 20 minutes, you’ll have this easy Chicken Tikka on the table in no time!
Check out this recipe
Easy Chicken Tikka Kebab - Piping Pot Curry
Easy, air fryer sweet chili honey garlic chicken skewers – Golden Grace Kitchen
Air fryer honey garlic chicken is a delicious and healthy dish that’s perfect for those who want a quick and easy meal.
Check out this recipe
Easy, air fryer sweet chili honey garlic chicken skewers - Golden Grace Kitchen
Hariyali Chicken Tikka, Air Fryer and Stovetop
Hariyali chicken is an Indian herbed chicken flavored with mint and cilantro. It cooks wondefully in the air fryer or on the stovetop.
Check out this recipe
Hariyali Chicken Tikka, Air Fryer and Stovetop
Air Fryer Pesto Chicken – Through The Fibro Fog
Full of flavor and so easy to make, enjoy these juicy air fryer pesto chicken thighs as a quick weeknight dinner idea!
Check out this recipe
Air Fryer Pesto Chicken - Through The Fibro Fog

Bone-in Chicken Thighs

Bone-in chicken thighs offer rich and succulent meat that is very flavorful. The bone adds an extra depth of taste and helps retain moisture during cooking, resulting in juicy and tender chicken thighs.

Here are a few enticing chicken recipes that highlight the deliciousness of bone-in chicken thighs:

white plate with chicken and parsley on it.

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Thighs – Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Thighs are perfect for those who like their chicken with a little heat. These buffalo chicken thighs are super easy to make with only two ingredients!

white plate with chicken on it. parsley in the back. white towel next to it

Air Fryer Shake N Bake Chicken Thighs – Air Fryer Shake N Bake Chicken Thighs is the perfect weeknight dinner idea. These chicken thighs are deliciously juicy and crunchy! Have dinner ready in under 20 minutes.

white plate with chicken on it parsley in the back

Air Fryer Blackened Chicken Thighs – These Air Fryer Blackened Chicken Thighs are incredibly juicy and have the perfect amount of kick! They’re great if you are looking for a quick and easy dinner during the week. Have dinner ready in under 20 minutes!

black air fryer with cooked chicken inside

Air Fryer Keto Chicken Thighs – These Air Fryer Keto Chicken Thighs are amazing! From the crispy skin to the juicy, tender dark meat. The whole family will love these delicious chicken thighs! With only two ingredients, this is a super easy recipe to follow! Plus, you will have it done in under 20 minutes.

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe – Marathons & Motivation
With the help of your air fryer, you can speed up the cook time of a variety of dishes. And once you try this air fryer chicken thighs recipe, you’ll be happy you decided to use your fryer to prepare this delicious main dish! Featuring crispy skin and juicy meat, these air fryer bone-in thighs
Check out this recipe
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe - Marathons & Motivation
Air Fryer Peri Peri Chicken Recipe: The African-Inspired Meal
This Air fryer peri peri chicken recipe is incredibly flavorful, affordable, and quick to prepare, making it the ideal midweek dinner.
Check out this recipe
Air Fryer Peri Peri Chicken Recipe: The African-Inspired Meal
Air Fryer Pesto Chicken – Through The Fibro Fog
Full of flavor and so easy to make, enjoy these juicy air fryer pesto chicken thighs as a quick weeknight dinner idea!
Check out this recipe
Air Fryer Pesto Chicken - Through The Fibro Fog
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
These air fryer chicken thighs are absolutely crispy on the outside and perfectly juicy inside. Simple and ready in under 30 minutes, enjoy succulent chicken thighs seasoned with an easy mix of seasonings. Great for meal prep, versatile, and loaded with flavor. If you are looking for a quick way to…
Check out this recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Thighs Recipe (Crispy Skin!)
This air fryer frozen chicken thighs recipe has BBQ seasoning and crispy skin. The air fryer is a fast way to defrost and cook frozen chicken! #healthyrecipes #air fryer #chicken #keto #lowcarb #gf
Check out this recipe
Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Thighs Recipe (Crispy Skin!)
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