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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe Perfect for Juicy Crackling Skin

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This recipe delivers perfectly crispy, crackling skin on bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs using an air fryer, resulting in juicy, tender meat beneath. Quick and easy, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1 to 1.5 pounds / 450–700 grams)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus extra for drying skin
  • ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels. For best results, let them rest uncovered in the fridge for 30 minutes if time allows.
  2. In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, and ¼ teaspoon baking powder.
  3. Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil over the chicken thighs and rub to coat evenly.
  4. Sprinkle the seasoning blend all over the chicken thighs, covering every nook including the skin side.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
  6. Place the chicken thighs skin-side up in the air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces for air circulation.
  7. Cook for 10 minutes without opening the basket too often.
  8. Flip the chicken thighs skin-side down carefully using tongs, then cook for an additional 8-10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown.
  9. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Patting the skin dry thoroughly is essential for crispiness. Baking powder helps raise the pH and break down proteins for better browning. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to prevent soggy skin. For extra crispiness, a 2-minute blast at 425°F (220°C) can be applied after cooking. Leftovers reheat best in the air fryer or oven to maintain crisp skin.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, air fryer chicken, crackling skin, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, gluten-free chicken

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/crispy-air-fryer-chicken-thighs-recipe-perfect-for-juicy-crackling-skin/