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Cozy Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Garlic Herb Rub

air fryer chicken thighs - featured image

These air fryer chicken thighs are perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, thanks to a flavorful garlic herb rub. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs total)
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until evenly distributed.
  3. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken thighs and rub into the skin to coat lightly.
  4. Sprinkle the herb rub generously over both sides of each thigh, patting gently to adhere.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
  6. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin-side down, in a single layer without overcrowding.
  7. Cook at 400°F for 12 minutes. Do not open the basket during this time.
  8. Carefully flip the chicken thighs using tongs.
  9. Cook for another 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 185°F (85°C).
  10. Remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pat the chicken very dry for maximum crispiness. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if needed. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to keep it juicy. For extra flavor, let the seasoned chicken sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken thighs, garlic herb chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, comfort food