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air fryer chicken thighs - featured image

Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs: Perfect 1-2 Portion No Leftovers


  • Author: Miranda
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x

Description

A simple, small-batch air fryer recipe for crispy, juicy bone-in chicken thighs designed for one or two people, ensuring no leftovers and minimal cleanup.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.25 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1.5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
  2. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to form a paste.
  3. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken thighs, ensuring the skin is thoroughly coated.
  4. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
  5. Place chicken thighs in the air fryer basket skin-side down, ensuring they do not overlap.
  6. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12 minutes.
  7. Flip the chicken thighs over and cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. Remove chicken from air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  9. Serve with lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

Do not skip patting the chicken dry, as moisture prevents crisping. Ensure the air fryer is preheated for best results. If using boneless thighs, reduce cooking time and check temperature at 15 minutes. Do not overcrowd the basket to allow proper air circulation.

  • Prep Time: 7 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 bone-in, skin-on c
  • Calories: 480
  • Sodium: 320
  • Fat: 34
  • Saturated Fat: 8
  • Carbohydrates: 2
  • Fiber: 0.5
  • Protein: 38

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, small batch dinner, crispy chicken, juicy chicken thighs, easy weeknight dinner, gluten-free, dairy-free, low carb