Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs (Keto, High Protein & Quick Dinner!)
Achieve perfectly crispy skin and juicy, tender meat every time with this incredibly easy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs recipe! Seasoned simply and cooked in your air fryer, it’s a fast, flavorful, and low-carb meal solution that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Yields: 4 servings Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 22-35 minutes (including preheat)
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, trimmed of excess fat and loose skin
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Cooking spray (optional, for air fryer basket)
Equipment:
- Air fryer
- Large zip-top bag or mixing bowl with a lid
- Instant-read meat thermometer
Instructions:
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 5 minutes. If desired, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray after preheating.
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs thoroughly dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin.
- Season Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or a mixing bowl with a lid. Add the Kosher salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, and onion powder. Seal the bag (or cover the bowl) and shake well to evenly coat the chicken thighs with the seasoning blend.
- First Air Fryer Cook (Skin Side Down): Remove the seasoned chicken thighs from the bag. Place them in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer, skin side down. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary. Air fry for 12 minutes.
- Second Air Fryer Cook (Skin Side Up): Carefully flip the chicken thighs so they are now skin side up. Continue to cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy to your desired preference.
- For Super Crispy Skin: If you want extra crispness, continue cooking in 4-minute increments, checking after each increment, until you reach your desired level of crispness.
- Check Doneness & Serve: The chicken thighs are fully cooked and safe to eat when an internal meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (avoiding the bone) reads 165°F (74°C).
- Enjoy! Serve hot and enjoy the perfectly crispy skin and juicy meat.
Tips for Success:
- Don’t Skip Patting Dry: Removing moisture from the skin is the secret to maximum crispiness in the air fryer.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Cook in batches if all 4 thighs don’t fit in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Overcrowding reduces air circulation and leads to less crispy chicken.
- Meat Thermometer is Key: Always use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through and safe, without overcooking and drying it out.
- Seasoning Variation: Feel free to experiment with other keto-friendly spice blends like chili powder, cumin, or a touch of cayenne for a kick.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve alongside roasted low-carb vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.
- Pair with a simple green salad dressed with a keto-friendly vinaigrette.
- Enjoy with mashed cauliflower or a side of creamy spinach.
Storage: Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-8 minutes to help maintain crispness, or in the microwave for convenience.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification
- High Protein: Yes, this recipe is very high in protein. Chicken thighs are an excellent source of complete protein, making this meal very satisfying and beneficial for muscle support.
- Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is very low-carb. Chicken and the listed spices are naturally carb-free.
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provide healthy fats crucial for a ketogenic diet, and all seasonings are keto-compliant.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
