Name: Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs; 1 Tbs olive oil; 2 Tbs Brown Sugar; 1 Tsp paprika; ½ tsp garlic; Salt and pepper to taste

Wonder how to cook chicken thighs in the air fryer? It’s so easy! Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are seasoned with a brown sugar spice rub and air fried until juicy and tender. This is an easy dinner for weeknights – just add your favorite side dish for a delicious and satisfying dinner.

Grilled chicken slices on a plate with white rice and a fresh salad garnish, featuring lettuce and a crouton.

Juicy chicken thighs are really easy to make and cook in your air fryer. The prep work is so easy – there’s no chopping, just mix up the spice rub, season the chicken with it, and then cook them in the air fryer. The whole dish is ready in about 20 minutes!

I love chicken thighs because they’re juicier and have more flavor than chicken breasts. They’re also harder to overcook because they have a little more fat so you don’t have to worry about dry, flavorless meat. These come out perfect every time!

A flat lay of ingredients for cooking includes raw chicken thighs on a plate, surrounded by small bowls labeled with salt, pepper, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and oil. A striped cloth lies beside the arrangement.

Ingredient Notes

Boneless skinless chicken thighs – you can do bone in chicken thighs too but it will take longer to cook.
Spice Blend: We coat the chicken in a mixture of brown sugar, smoked paprika, Garlic powder, kosher salt and black pepper. You could also add Italian seasoning.

Be sure to see the recipe card below for full ingredients & instructions!

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A white bowl filled with a brown crumbly mixture is surrounded by small bowls of paprika, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on a white surface. A striped kitchen towel is draped on the side.

Raw chicken thighs seasoned with spices on a white plate. Nearby are small bowls containing brown sugar, garlic powder, and paprika. A striped cloth is on the side, all set against a white background.

How to make air fryer chicken thighs

I like to pat the chicken dry with a paper towel then brush with olive oil and the spice mixture.
You can season the chicken several hours ahead if you want.
Be sure to place chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
You’ll heat the air fryer to 400°F and cook until the chicken has an internal temperature of 165° (I like using an instant read thermometer or meat thermometer to test it).
Always let meat rest for a few minutes before serving so the juices have time to settle. Cut it too soon and all the juices will run out and leave your chicken dry.

Side Dish Ideas

This chicken thighs air fryer recipe pairs well with all kinds of side dishes. Here are a few we like to make:

Lemon Garlic Zoodles are quick, easy, and healthy.
Roasted Green Beans are so delicious.
You can also use the air fryer to cook some Asparagus.
Pair them with some Spanish Rice.
Roasted Potatoes are always good, too.

A plate with grilled chicken slices, white rice, and a green salad topped with croutons. A fork and a piece of lettuce are nearby on the light-colored table.

Expert Tips

I like to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, but you can use skin-on ones if you want crispy skin. Just be sure to cook the thighs long enough so they are cooked through and the skin is crisp.
How long you air fry chicken thighs will depend on the size. Usually, 15 to 20 minutes at 400°F is long enough, but be sure to check on them early, so they don’t overcook.
It’s important your chicken is cooked all the way – it must be 165°F.