These juicy air fryer fried chicken thighs boast tender meat with perfectly seasoned, crispy skin – all cooked in a fraction of the time it takes in the oven. While we love our easy dinner recipes such as Chicken Cacciatore and Creamy Mushroom Thighs, there are nights when time is scarce, and that's when the air fryer comes to the rescue.
This recipe is not only a keeper, it’s one to share...And yes, these chicken thighs are golden brown and crispy, low-carb, gluten free and dairy free.
We love to use air fryer to both cook and reheat foods! Salmon, pork chops and chicken drumsticks taste absolutely delicious in the air fryer.
Feel free to experiment with different spices to create unique flavors. This recipe can easily feed 2 to 4 people, depending on the desired portion of chicken thighs per serving.
For a complete meal, I often pair it with a generous amount of side salad such as this Mexican coleslaw, healthy green goddess salad, or more starchy sides such as these air fryer sweet potato fries or simple and cold pasta salad.
Table Of Contents
- Why It's Yummy
- More Scrumptious Chicken Recipes To try!
- Ingredients
- Is Cornstarch Gluten Free?
- Recipe Substitutions
- Instructions
- Chicken Temperature
- What Can I Do With Leftover Chicken Thighs?
- Recipe Troubleshoot
- What Air Fryer To Use?
- Recommended Equipment
- Should You Dry Chicken Before Air Frying?
- Tips
- Serving Suggestions
- Freezing And Storing Instructions
- Delicious Chicken Seasoning Ideas!
- FAQs
- More Air Fryer Recipes
- Thinking About Dessert? Try These!
- Recipe
- Comments
Why It's Yummy
- Crispy skin without heavy breading - Indulge in shatteringly crispy skin that even non-chicken skin eaters will find irresistible. We coat the chicken in seasonings and cornstarch, making the skin perfectly crunchy without bread crumbs, panko, or cereal!
- Ease - Cooking chicken thighs in the air fryer is quick and hassle-free, with minimal cleanup required. And no need to marinate the chicken here!
- No mess! - Say goodbye to stove-top splatters, as the air fryer keeps everything contained. You don't need extra oil to make this fried chicken, which makes this recipe healthier than using the old-school deep frying method. Succulent chicken and perfectly crisp exterior every time!
- Fast Cooking - This chicken dinner needs about 25 minutes of cooking time, saving you time in the kitchen. Talk about time savings!
- This fried chicken thighs recipe is gluten free and dairy free.
More Scrumptious Chicken Recipes To try!
Ingredients
My few comments on the ingredients + don't forget to read the Tips section!
The full recipe and ingredients can be found in the recipe card below this post.
Enjoy delicious and moist chicken without deep frying! Plus, it's quick and easy to prepare!
In this recipe, the chicken is double-coated with cornstarch and seasonings, resulting in irresistibly crispy skin!
Here's what you'll need:
- Chicken thighs - We highly recommend skin-on, bone-in thighs for this recipe. They are the perfect choice for this recipe, ensuring the meat retains its tenderness and juiciness while the skin turns crispy. In You can use drumsticks as well. I don't recommend using boneless and skinless chicken here. Read more in this paragraph.
- Cornstarch - for thickening the batter and color. Cornstarch helps to absorb moisture from the frying and the chicken and makes the skin ultra crispy and golden brown. It is often used together with flour but in this recipe, we don't need anything extra! This recipe is perfect as it is.
- Egg - Egg acts as a binder for the cornstarch and helps the seasoning adhere to the chicken.
- Dry rub/seasonings - These chicken thighs are seasoned with a simple blend of garlic powder, paprika (we love smoked paprika, but you can use any paprika here), celery salt, black pepper, turmeric, and a touch of cayenne spice for some smokiness and spicy kick.
- Olive oil cooking spray - For coating the air fryer basket and helping the chicken to fry evenly. You can use olive oil or other vegetable oils that you're used to.
📋 Turmeric - my secret ingredient! Turmeric adds a warm color and subtle flavor. If you don't have turmeric, you can omit it, or use a pinch of saffron for color. Turmeric flavor is not overpowering at all as we use only a small amount.
Is Cornstarch Gluten Free?
Yes, cornstarch is generally considered gluten-free. It is derived from corn, which is naturally gluten-free. Learn more in detail about cornstarch and why it is gluten free.
However, just like with oats, there is a possibility of cross-contamination during processing, particularly if it is manufactured in facilities that also handle gluten-containing grains.
If you have celiac disease or are gluten sensitive, I recommend going for certified gluten-free cornstarch to avoid any potential cross-contamination issues. Always check the product labels!
Recipe Substitutions
- Chicken thighs - are known for their flavorful and juicy meat. You can substitute them with chicken drumsticks and cooking time will need to be reduced, I think about 16-18 minutes in total depending on the thickness of the chicken. I don't recommend using boneless skinless chicken thighs, because the skin is key for that awesome crispy coating! Plus, bones bring flavor and juiciness to the chicken. You can also use bone-in skin-on chicken breast, chicken legs but the time will need to be adjusted. Check for doneness with meat thermometer.
- Cornstarch - I haven’t used any alternatives to cornstarch in this recipe but you may have luck replacing it with all-purpose flour, gluten free flour, rice flour, or potato starch for a similar effect. If you try substitutions, please let me know how it goes in the comments, thank you!
- Egg - helps the seasonings stick and makes the skins crisp up nice and golden. You can use buttermilk or milk as an alternative binder.
- Celery salt - if you don't have seasoned salt, you can use regular kosher or sea salt.
- Seasonings- the options are endless! Check out the Chicken Seasoning section for more details.
- Gluten free & Dairy free - nothing to swap here, these air fryer chicken thighs are gluten and dairy free!
Instructions
Season the chicken thighs. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon of celery salt evenly over the chicken thighs. Set them aside.
Prepare the coating bowls. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch, leftover 1 teaspoon of celery salt, and all spices (or use your own spice mix).
In another bowl, whisk the egg until smooth.
📋 JULIA'S TIP If you prefer boneless chicken thighs, remember to reduce the cooking time accordingly. But I highly recommend using bone-in skin-on chicken here. Check the Recipe Substitutions for more details.
Coat the chicken thighs. One by one, dredge the chicken thigh and roll it in the seasoning mixture, ensuring it's evenly coated.
Then using kitchen tongs, dip it into the beaten egg, making sure it's fully covered.
Finally, roll it again in the seasoning mixture, pressing the mixture gently onto the chicken. Shake off any excess coating. Repeat this process with the remaining chicken thighs.
Preheat the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
Things will get ''messy'' in the end, and to make it easier, divide the cornstarch mixture into two bowls.
Place the coated chicken thighs into the air fryer basket, skin side up first. Lightly spray them with cooking oil.
Air fry the chicken thighs. Cook the chicken in the air fryer for 22-25 minutes, flipping each thigh halfway through the cooking time.
By the time chicken is cooked there may be a few spots with cornstarch, you can gently brush them or lightly spray them with cooking oil.
The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken thighs. Ensure they are evenly cooked on both sides.
Check the chicken's doneness: To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a kitchen meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
It should reach a minimum temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) for safe consumption.
Enjoy the flavorful crispy fried chicken! Once the chicken thighs are crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside, they are ready to be served.
Serve with side salad, pasta or hot sauce for dipping!
📋 FLAVOR & TEXTURE A satisfying texture that's crisp and golden on the outside, while tender and succulent on the inside. Similar to KFC but way better, so much better and healthier for you. Spices like paprika, celery salt, turmeric, garlic, and smoky cayenne complement the juicy chicken beautifully.
Chicken Temperature
According to the FDA, it's crucial to cook chicken thighs until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
To ensure accuracy, use an instant-read thermometer inserted at the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding contact with the bone.
What Can I Do With Leftover Chicken Thighs?
Feel free to use any leftover chicken thighs (if you have any) for sandwiches (try this chicken sandwich with our air fryer fried chicken instead), in chicken parmigiana recipe or chop it and add to salads, quesadillas, or stir into asparagus pasta instead of pan-fried chicken.
Recipe Troubleshoot
Why isn't the chicken skin crispy?
- For an extra crispy chicken thigh skin, ensure it's dry before dredging. Pat the chicken dry before seasoning, and for added assurance, leave it uncovered in the refrigerator to let the skin dry out a bit. Also, make sure the skin is tightly covering the meat and avoid moving it around excessively during cooking to prevent tearing.
- Check your air fryer settings and ensure it's working at the right temperature; higher temperatures are generally better for achieving crispy skin.
- Don't overcrowd the basket. Cooking too many chicken thighs in the air fryer at once can lead to overcrowding, preventing proper air circulation and even cooking. Ensure there is enough space between the chicken pieces for crispy results.
- Don’t forget to flip it halfway through.
Why does my coating fall off my chicken?
- Air dry the cornstarch seasoning on the chicken before air frying. After first dredging, pop it on a wire rack for about 10 mins. The coating will cling so much better!
- Shake off extra cornstarch mixture from the chicken. Too much prevents the egg mix from sticking, ruining that crispy ''breading''.
- Just like with any coating ingredients take care to coat the meat evenly from all sides.
What Air Fryer To Use?
Just like with any air fryer recipe, there are a couple of key points to nail down for the ultimate air-fried chicken recipe.
The golden rule here is to know your air fryer.
Given the array of options out there, each with its unique size and specs, your cooking quantities might vary. Your air fryer should come with a guidebook with tips on frying each food, use them!
I like the size and nonstick basket of my Cosori 5.8 quart air fryer, it's the perfect match for our small family.
With its spacious capacity, cooking is easy without too many batches, and is just the right size for serving dinners for two. Although, for the fries, I still have to make a couple of batches to ensure super crispy results.
Additionally, the Ninja Foodi is another excellent alternative that can easily replace any air fryer in your kitchen.
Recommended Equipment
- Kitchen tongs
- Meat Thermometer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Airtight Food containers
- Mixing Bowls
- Ninja Foodi
- Air Fryer Cosori - 5.8 quart
- Air Fryer Basket Liners
Should You Dry Chicken Before Air Frying?
Yes, it is recommended to dry chicken before air frying.
Removing excess moisture from the chicken's surface helps achieve better browning and crispiness during the cooking process. Use paper towels to pat the chicken dry before seasoning and air frying for the best results.
Tips
- To achieve the best results, opt for high-quality chicken thighs that are air chilled, free-range, and/or organic.
- Once your chicken thighs reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees, as measured by a instant read thermometer, you'll know they are perfectly done.
- Pat dry before seasoning. Ensure to pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels before seasoning to get a better sear and crispiness.
- Preheat the air fryer. Preheating the air fryer helps achieve better and more consistent cooking results. You may not need to do that for every single recipe but for this fried chicken, I highly recommend it! And just saying, if using air-fryer basket liners, do not put them in while reheating, as they will catch on fire!
- We need oil for this recipe, it's the key to crispy goodness! Whether it's cooking spray or you can use a basting brush. The chicken doesn't have to be fully covered in oil, this is not the idea, just a light spritz is more than enough.
- Arrange in a single layer and don't overcrowd the basket. Place the chicken thighs in a single layer and away from the walls of the air fryer basket allowing hot air to circulate for crispy skin. Cook in batches if needed.
- Things will get messy and it's a great idea to protect your air fryer so it can last for longer! For this, use air fryer basket liners (parchment paper liners/sheets with holes in them) and you can easily DIY them if needed. Liners should ALWAYS go in together with food, do not add them when preheating as they will catch on fire.
- If you don't use the liners... Most air fryers are non-stick and spraying the bottom of the basket with oil is not necessary. However, depending on the age of your air fryer, the non-stick coating may be getting a little tired. In this case, it is a good idea to spray the basket with oil before placing the chicken.
- After cooking, you may have some uncooked cornstarch ''spots'', simply spritz them with oil or brush them off with a basting brush.
- If you are a more experienced cook, take the chicken out when it reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit (about 5 or more minutes before the end). Allow it to rest on a plate until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Allowing the chicken to rest, will produce even more juicy and tender results.
Serving Suggestions
In our household, chicken dinners are a regular favorite. We love exploring the various ways to transform juicy air fryer chicken into delicious and healthy family meals.
Serve this fried chicken with:
- Side salads - serve it with light pasta salad, no-mayo coleslaw, Caesar salad (without the chicken), cabbage salad or marinated broccoli salad.
- Quick sides - try our Mediterranean cucumber salad, cucumber vinegar salad, or tomato basil mozzarella salad.
- Grains - lime cilantro rice or egg fried rice.
- Potatoes - our family’s favorite classic combination for chicken dinners! We love mashed potatoes, oven fries (or these air fryer sweet potato fries), garlicky smashed potatoes, or anything potato! Or try baked sweet potato in the oven while your air fryer is busy!
- Vegetables - Brussels sprouts, asparagus (such as great pairing with any chicken dish), or glazed carrots.
Sauces and dips
Freezing And Storing Instructions
- To Store. Place the cooked chicken thighs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- To Reheat. Rewarm the leftovers in a baking dish in the oven at 350 degrees F or in the air fryer choosing the correct setting for reheating. I typically would use 350 degrees F and cook the chicken until piping hot and steaming, about 5 minutes.
- To Freeze. Although I don’t recommend freezing fried foods due to loss of the freshly crispy texture you can still freeze it for later. To do so, store the thighs in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 3 months (although consuming it sooner will make the flavor better). Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Delicious Chicken Seasoning Ideas!
Feel free to spice up your chicken dishes with different seasonings. Use around 1-2 tablespoons of any of the following in place of the listed spices:
- Lemon Air Fryer Chicken Thighs - add Lemon Pepper Seasoning or whole lemon zest to the spice mixture.
- Taco Seasoning
- Old Bay Seasoning
- All Purpose Chicken Seasoning - this is something you'd easily find in the store.
- Italian Air Fryer Chicken Thighs - add Herbs de Provence (Italian seasoning). If using just dried herbs mix, we like to use it together with garlic and onion powder or add a teaspoon of herbs to this recipe.
- Smoky Chipotle Seasoning - for some serious bold and smoky flavors.
- Ranch Seasoning
- Garlic Parmesan Seasoning - combine grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried parsley, and a pinch of salt for a cheesy and savory coating.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning
- Cajun Seasoning
FAQs
Absolutely! Air fryer is perfect for cooking raw chicken, delivering a delightful crispy exterior and juicy interior. It's a fantastic method to achieve that perfect balance of flavors and textures in your chicken.
Yes, but these will need shorter cooking time, or try my similar recipe for lemon garlic chicken drumsticks.
To cook chicken thighs in the air fryer, simply set the temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and depending on the size cook for 20-25 minutes. Don't forget to flip the thighs halfway through the cooking process for even browning and a deliciously crispy finish.
For a foolproof way to ensure your chicken thighs are fully cooked, rely on a meat thermometer. Check that the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165 degrees F for safe and perfectly cooked results. However, I recommend the actual cooking time always less so the chicken can rest out of the air fryer for at least 5 minutes or until the internal temp reaches 165 degrees F.
There are a couple of reasons why your air-fried chicken may not be as crispy as desired. If the chicken is not properly dried before cooking, excess moisture can prevent the skin from crisping up. Make sure to pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning and cooking.
Overcrowding the air fryer basket can also hinder crispiness. When the chicken pieces are too close together, the hot air may not circulate properly, leading to uneven cooking and less crispy results. Make sure to leave enough space between the chicken pieces for better airflow.
Similar to steak, chicken also benefits from resting after cooking, allowing the juices to evenly distribute within the thighs. Give it at least 5 minutes of resting time for the most flavorful and tender results.
According to the USDA, it is not recommended to rinse chicken as it can potentially spread bacteria in your kitchen. Instead, simply pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to ensure they are ready for cooking.
I wouldn't recommend it! The chicken skin plays a pivotal role in ensuring the coating adheres effectively, resulting in a delectably crispy exterior. Moreover, retaining the bone enhances both moisture retention and flavor. While the boneless option is viable, you'll need to fine-tune the cooking duration. For optimal outcomes, however, I recommend sticking with skin-in chicken.
Yes, you could, use bone-in skin-on chicken breast and if needed cut them into smaller pieces. The cooking time will need to be adjusted and you can check the doneness with a kitchen thermometer.
Follow these tips: Pre-air fry, let cornstarch seasoning air dry on the chicken. Rest it on a wire rack for 10 mins post-dredging. The coating will hold tight!;
Shake off the extra flour before coating the chicken in egg;
Always coat the meat evenly on all sides, just like with any coating ingredients.
More Air Fryer Recipes
The air fryer is an indispensable small kitchen appliance in our home. We use it for cooking, reheating, desserts, and cookies. And it is our favorite way to cook veggies and it saves up some cash when the electricity bill comes in!
Try more mouthwatering air fryer ideas:
Thinking About Dessert? Try These!
For all baking recipes, hop on to our Desserts collection.
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Recipe
Air Fryer Fried Chicken Thighs
INGREDIENTS
- 4 small bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (about 1 pound)
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- 1 ½ teaspoon celery salt (divided, or regular kosher salt)
- Cooking spray
INSTRUCTIONS
- Season the chicken thighs. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon of celery salt evenly over the chicken thighs. Set them aside.
- Prepare the coating bowls. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch, leftover 1 teaspoon of celery salt, and all spices (or use your own spice mix).
- In another bowl, whisk the egg until smooth.
- Coat the chicken thighs. One by one, dredge the chicken thigh and roll it in the seasoning mixture, ensuring it's evenly coated.
- Then using kitchen tongs, dip it into the beaten egg, making sure it's fully covered.
- Finally, roll it again in the seasoning mixture, pressing the mixture gently onto the chicken. Shake off any excess coating. Repeat this process with the remaining chicken thighs.
- Preheat the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
- Place the coated chicken thighs into the air fryer basket, skin side up first. Lightly spray them with cooking oil.
- Air fry the chicken thighs. Cook the chicken in the air fryer for 22-25 minutes, flipping each thigh halfway through the cooking time.
- By the time chicken is cooked there may be a few spots with cornstarch, you can gently brush them or lightly spray them with cooking oil.
- The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken thighs. Ensure they are evenly cooked on both sides. Check the chicken's doneness: To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a kitchen meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach a minimum temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) for safe consumption.
- Enjoy the flavorful fried chicken! Once the chicken thighs are crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside, they are ready to be served. Enjoy!
NOTES
- This recipe makes about 2-4 servings.
- If you prefer boneless chicken thighs, remember to reduce the cooking time accordingly. But I highly recommend using bone-in skin-on chicken here. Check the blog post for more details.
- Things will get ''messy'' in the end, and to make it easier, divide the cornstarch mixture into two bowls.
- Flavor and texture - A satisfying texture that's crisp and golden on the outside, while tender and succulent on the inside. Similar to KFC but way better, so much better and healthier for you. Spices like paprika, celery salt, turmeric, garlic, and smoky cayenne complement the juicy chicken beautifully.
- Why isn't the chicken skin crispy?
- For an extra crispy chicken thigh skin, ensure it's dry before dredging. Pat the chicken dry before seasoning, and for added assurance, leave it uncovered in the refrigerator to let the skin dry out a bit.
- Also, make sure the skin is tightly covering the meat and avoid moving it around excessively during cooking to prevent tearing.
- Check your air fryer settings and ensure it's working at the right temperature; higher temperatures are generally better for achieving crispy skin.
- Don't overcrowd the basket. Cooking too many chicken thighs in the air fryer at once can lead to overcrowding, preventing proper air circulation and even cooking. Ensure there is enough space between the chicken pieces for crispy results.
- Don’t forget to flip it halfway through.
- Why does my coating fall off my chicken?
- Air dry the cornstarch seasoning on the chicken before air frying. After first dredging, pop it on a wire rack for about 10 mins. The coating will cling so much better!
- Shake off the extra cornstarch mixture from the chicken. Too much prevents the egg mix from sticking, ruining that crispy ''breading''.
- Just like with any coating ingredients take care to coat the meat evenly from all sides.
PRIVATE NOTES
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)
Julia | The Yummy Bowl
Juicy, crispy, flavorful and simply delicious healthier-for-you fried chicken made in air fryer!