15 Delicious and Easy Chicken Thigh Recipes for Your Air Fryer

2025-11-10

If you own an air fryer, chicken thighs are your new best friend. This affordable, versatile cut of meat transforms into crispy, juicy masterpieces in minutes—no hovering over the stove or dealing with a greasy oven. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, feeding a hungry family, or craving a quick weeknight dinner, these air fryer chicken thigh recipes deliver big flavor with minimal effort. We’ve tested dozens of methods to bring you 15 tried-and-true recipes, from classic garlic-herb to bold global twists, all designed to maximize crispiness, juiciness, and flavor. Let’s dive in.

Why Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Are a Game-Changer

Before we get to the recipes, let’s unpack why air frying chicken thighs is such a smart choice. Chicken thighs have more fat and connective tissue than breasts, which means they stay tender even when cooked quickly—perfect for high-heat air frying. The air fryer’s hot, circulating air crisps the skin like deep-frying but with a fraction of the oil. Plus, thighs are budget-friendly (often $1-$ 2 per pound less than breasts) and forgiving: slightly overcooking them won’t turn them dry like breasts might.

Key tips to ensure success:

Start with bone-in, skin-on thighs: The bone adds flavor, and the skin crisps beautifully. Boneless works too, but adjust cooking time by 5–7 minutes.
Pat dry before seasoning: Moisture prevents crisping. Use paper towels to blot the skin.
Don’t overcrowd the basket: Give thighs space so hot air circulates evenly. Work in batches if needed.
Finish with a rest: Let cooked thighs sit for 5 minutes before serving—this locks in juices.

15 Must-Try Air Fryer Chicken Thigh Recipes

1. Classic Garlic-Herb Butter Chicken Thighs

Crispy skin, melt-in-your-mouth meat, and a rich garlic-herb butter sauce—this is comfort food at its simplest.

Ingredients (4 servings):

8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and black pepper to taste
4 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Steps:

Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
In a bowl, toss thighs with olive oil, paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let marinate 10 minutes.
Air fry thighs, skin-side up, for 15 minutes. Flip, then cook 10–12 minutes more until skin is golden and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
While thighs cook, melt butter in a small pan. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in parsley.
Brush melted garlic butter over thighs during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Serve with extra sauce.

Pro tip: For extra crunch, spray the skin with cooking spray before air frying.

2. Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Thighs

Sweet, spicy, and sticky—this recipe tastes like your favorite Korean BBQ joint, minus the takeout wait.

Ingredients:

8 bone-in, skin-on thighs
3 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp grated ginger
1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
Green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Steps:

Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
In a bowl, mix gochujang, honey, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Add thighs and toss to coat. Marinate 20 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
Air fry thighs, skin-side up, for 12 minutes. Flip, brush with remaining marinade, and cook 10–12 minutes more until caramelized and crispy.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve with steamed rice and pickled cucumbers.

3. Crispy Lemon-Pepper Chicken Thighs

Bright, zesty, and perfectly seasoned—this is a crowd-pleaser that feels fancy but comes together in 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

8 bone-in, skin-on thighs
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
1 tsp dried rosemary (optional)
Salt to taste

Steps:

Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
In a bowl, whisk lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, pepper, rosemary (if using), and salt. Add thighs and toss to coat.
Air fry thighs, skin-side up, for 15 minutes. Flip, then cook 10–12 minutes more until skin is shatteringly crisp.
Squeeze fresh lemon over the top before serving.

4. Honey-Mustard Glazed Chicken Thighs

A tangy-sweet glaze that caramelizes beautifully—great for kids and adults alike.

Ingredients:

8 bone-in, skin-on thighs
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder

Steps:

Preheat air fryer to 390°F (199°C).
Mix mustard, honey, vinegar, paprika, and garlic powder in a small bowl.
Season thighs with salt and pepper, then air fry skin-side up for 12 minutes. Flip, brush with half the glaze, and cook 8 minutes. Brush with remaining glaze and cook 4–6 minutes more until glaze is sticky and chicken is cooked through.

5. Smoky Chipotle Chicken Thighs

For chipotle lovers—this recipe packs bold, smoky heat with a creamy finish.

Ingredients:

8 bone-in, skin-on thighs
1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced
1 tbsp adobo sauce
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup Greek yogurt (for serving)
Lime wedges (for serving)

Steps:

Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Mix chipotle, adobo sauce, cumin, chili powder, and garlic. Rub over thighs; season with salt.
Air fry thighs, skin-side up, for 15 minutes. Flip, cook 10–12 minutes more until crispy.
Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt and lime wedges to balance the heat.

6. Mediterranean Herb-Roasted Chicken Thighs

Oregano, lemon, and feta make this recipe feel like a vacation on a plate.

Ingredients:

8 bone-in, skin-on thighs
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried dill
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Steps:

Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
In a bowl, mix olive oil, oregano, dill, lemon zest, and juice. Add thighs and toss. Marinate 15 minutes.
Air fry thighs, skin-side up, for 15 minutes. Flip, sprinkle with feta, and cook 10–12 minutes more until feta is melted and crispy.
Garnish with parsley and serve with roasted vegetables.

7. Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

Sweet, savory, and sticky—this Japanese-inspired recipe is perfect for bento boxes or grain bowls.

Ingredients:

8 bone-in, skin-on thighs
½ cup teriyaki sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tsp grated ginger
2 garlic cloves, minced
Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Steps:

Preheat air fryer to 390°F (199°C).
Mix teriyaki sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. Marinate thighs for 30 minutes.
Air fry thighs, skin-side up, for 12 minutes. Flip, brush with marinade, and cook 8 minutes. Repeat brushing and cook 4–6 minutes more until glazed.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

8. Buffalo Chicken Thighs

Crispy, spicy, and ready to dip—this is game-day approved.

Ingredients:

8 bone-in, skin-on thighs
¼ cup Frank’s RedHot sauce
2 tbsp melted butter
1 tsp garlic powder
½ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing (for serving)
Celery sticks (for serving)

Steps:

Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Season thighs with salt and pepper. Air fry skin-side up for 15 minutes. Flip, cook 10–12 minutes more until crispy.
Mix hot sauce and butter. Toss cooked thighs in the sauce.
Serve with ranch and celery.

9. Indian Butter Chicken Thighs

Creamy, spiced, and deeply flavorful—this recipe simplifies the restaurant classic.

Ingredients:

8 bone-in, skin-on thighs
1 cup tomato sauce
½ cup heavy cream
1 tbsp garam masala
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp cumin
2 garlic cloves, minced
1-inch ginger, grated
2 tbsp butter
Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Steps:

Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Season thighs with salt and air fry, skin-side up, for 15 minutes. Flip, cook 10–12 minutes more. Set aside.
In a pan, sauté garlic and ginger 30 seconds. Add tomato sauce, garam masala, turmeric, and cumin. Simmer 5 minutes. Stir in cream and butter.
Coat cooked thighs in the sauce. Garnish with cilantro.

10. Peanut Butter Chicken Thighs

Nutty, sweet, and savory—this Thai-inspired recipe is addictive.

Ingredients:

8 bone-in, skin-on thighs
3 tbsp peanut butter
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp sriracha (optional)
2 garlic cloves, minced
Crushed peanuts (for garnish)
Green onions (for garnish)

Steps:

Preheat air fryer to 390°F (199°C).
Mix peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, sriracha (if using), and garlic. Marinate thighs for 20 minutes.
Air fry thighs, skin-side up, for 12 minutes. Flip, brush with marinade, and cook 8 minutes. Brush again and cook 4–6 minutes more.
Garnish with peanuts and green onions.

11. Rosemary-Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

Herby, garlicky, and buttery—this is pure indulgence.

Ingredients:

8 bone-in, skin-on thighs
4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tsp lemon zest
Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Mix butter, garlic, rosemary, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Loosen skin from thighs and rub butter mixture underneath. Season the outside with salt and pepper.
Air fry thighs, skin-side up, for 15 minutes. Flip, cook 10–12 minutes more until skin is crisp and butter is melted into the meat.

12. Taco Seasoned Chicken Thighs

Spicy, zesty, and perfect for tacos, salads, or burrito bowls.

Ingredients:

8 bone-in, skin-on thighs
1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade: 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, salt)
1 tbsp olive oil
Lime wedges (for serving)
Toppings: salsa, avocado, shredded cheese, cilantro

Steps:

Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Rub thighs with olive oil and taco seasoning. Air fry, skin-side up, for 15 minutes. Flip, cook 10–12 minutes more.
Serve with lime wedges and your favorite toppings.

13. Maple-Bacon Chicken Thighs

Salty, sweet, and smoky—this is breakfast-for-dinner done right.

Ingredients:

8 bone-in, skin-on thighs
4 bacon slices, chopped
2 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp black pepper
Salt to taste

Steps:

Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
In a bowl, mix chopped bacon, maple syrup, paprika, pepper, and salt. Add thighs and toss to coat.
Air fry thighs, skin-side up, for 12 minutes. Flip, cook 10–12 minutes more until bacon is crispy and chicken is cooked through.

14. Greek Lemon-Herb Chicken Thighs

Oregano, lemon, and garlic—this recipe tastes like the Aegean Sea.

Ingredients:

8 bone-in, skin-on thighs
2 tbsp olive oil
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
2 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh oregano (for garnish)

Steps:

Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Mix olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper. Marinate thighs for 15 minutes.
Air fry thighs, skin-side up, for 15 minutes. Flip, cook 10–12 minutes more. Garnish with fresh oregano.

15. Cheesy Bacon-Stuffed Chicken Thighs

For a showstopper meal—creamy cheese and crispy bacon inside every bite.

Ingredients:

8 boneless, skin-on thighs (or bone-in, if preferred)
4 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled
½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella
2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

Preheat air fryer to 390°F (199°C).
Pound boneless thighs to ¼-inch thickness. Mix bacon, cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Spoon filling onto one half of each thigh, then roll up and secure with toothpicks. Season the outside.
Air fry rolls, seam-side down first, for 12 minutes. Flip, cook 8–10 minutes more until cheese is melted and chicken is cooked through. Remove toothpicks before serving.

General Tips for Air Fryer Chicken Thigh Success

Adjust cooking time for size: Larger thighs may need 2–3 extra minutes; smaller ones may cook faster. Always use a meat thermometer—165°F (74°C) in the thickest part is safe.
Crispier skin hack: After air frying, broil on high for 1–2 minutes (watch closely to avoid burning).
Leftovers: Store cooked thighs in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for 5–7 minutes to crisp them up again.
Skinless thighs: If using skinless, reduce temperature to 375°F (190°C) and add 5 minutes to cooking time—they dry out faster.

Final Thoughts

Air fryer chicken thighs are a kitchen staple for a reason: they’re quick, healthy, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re in the mood for spicy, sweet, herby, or cheesy, these 15 recipes have you covered. Experiment with marinades, spices, and glazes to make them your own. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked chicken thighs any other way. Happy air frying!

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