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Chili rubbed air fryer chicken thighs on a white serving plate.

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs (Bone-In)

Follow our guide for the crispiest air fryer bone-in chicken thighs! Ready to enjoy in 30 minutes or less with simple steps.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 252 kcal

Equipment

  • Air Fryer

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. (200°C)
  • Pat the 4 chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
  • Using a sharp knife, score the tops of the chicken thighs by making small, parallel cuts through the skin and into the meat. This allows the seasoning to get into the meat of the chicken, ensuring the juiciest, most flavorful chicken thighs.
  • Spray each chicken thigh with oil spray. Sprinkle each one with 1 Tablespoon chili rub seasoning (divided between each chicken thigh).
  • Place the chicken thighs in your pre-heated air fryer basket skin-side down in a single layer.
  • Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, turn each chicken thigh over so they are skin-side up. Use silicone-tipped tongs for air fryer safety. Set a timer to remember to flip the chicken thighs if your air fryer doesn't have a built-in timer.
  • Use an instant read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken thighs. Do this by inserting the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh meat without touching the bone. The chicken is done when the thigh meat registers between 165-175°F. Continue cooking until the proper temperature is reached, if needed.
  • Remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and rest for 10 minutes. Serve, and enjoy!
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Notes

  • Use an oil sprayer filled with your preferred oil. Avoid using pressurized cooking sprays with additives as they might damage the air fryer non-stick surface. See our guide to air frying oils.
  • If you like crispy skin, be sure to preheat the air fryer. This is key to achieving crispy chicken skin.
  • Always cook to the proper temperature as listed in the recipe.
  • Cook time may vary depending on your specific air fryer; all air fryer brands are different. As always, use the cook time as a guide until you are more comfortable with your specific brand of air fryer.
  • If cooking in multiple batches, be sure to check on the remaining batches early, as they may cook more quickly.

Nutrition

Serving: 1chicken thighCalories: 252kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 19gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 111mgSodium: 88mgPotassium: 272mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.2gVitamin A: 950IUVitamin C: 0.01mgCalcium: 13mgIron: 1mg