This is the most amazing air fryer chicken recipe! This recipe is easy to prep and will be done in 20 minutes. Juicy and delicious, these crispy chicken thighs use no oil, no flour, and are gluten free.
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If you're looking for air fryer recipes, you've come to the right place. These air fryer chicken thighs are about to wow your tastebuds.
I've created some of the best air fryer recipes such as these Crispy French Fries and my Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders. These are both really good air fryer recipes for beginners and are beyond delish. As for this recipe, it's about to become a family favorite dinner.
Who remembers Shake N Bake? I used to love those seasoning coated packets that were popular so long ago. Shake and bake recipes were yummy. On my way to the office one morning, I was listening to Beth and Friends, which is a popular local radio station here in Phoenix.
Beth had a guest recipe creator on her show who was talking about this amazing sounding spicy thighs recipe. Since I was driving and couldn't write down the recipe I decided to email Beth, tell her about my food blog, and ask her for the recipe.
She gave it to me and told me to share it with my readers here at Recipes Worth Repeating. After I made her baked chicken thighs in the oven, I knew this would be amazing as well as a really good healthy air fryer recipe. And let me tell you, these air fryer chicken thighs are beyond amazing!
🛒 Ingredients You'll Need
Beth refers to this recipe as "spicy", but when you look at the list of ingredients, you'll see that they aren't a "HOT" kind of spicy. This air fryer fried chicken is just full of amazing seasonings.
For this fryer chicken, you'll use 5 boneless skinless thighs. You can also use bone in thighs, skin on thighs, as well as drumsticks. If you enjoy eating the skin, then using skin on thighs is the way to go.
For the breading, use panko breadcrumbs. Gluten free panko is also really good with this recipe. No oil is needed!
For the seasoning, I've fallen in love with this spice mix. Cumin, curry powder, paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper is the best chicken seasoning. And, it's always fun to play around by using a sweet paprika versus a smoked paprika. Personally, I love using smoked paprika.
📋 Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Cooking chicken thighs has never been easier and if you're looking for the quickest way possibly to get dinner on the table, chicken thighs in the air fryer in the way to go.
We're going to start by doing that shake shake method. Using a gallon size plastic bag, place all the seasonings and the thighs in the bag. Shake the bag until each piece is well coated. Expert Tip: A lot of people don't like using plastic bags and prefer to use a bowl. I've found that if you use a large bowl with a lid, you can shake the bowl and it coated the meat really well.
Next, place each piece evenly in the basket. I have a 6 quart basket so 5 pieces fit perfectly. Remember, this recipe does not need any oil. The natural fat from the thighs will serve as the oil needed to get the job done.
I have a Cosori which has a lot preset options. If yours has a chicken preset, select that option. The screen will display 20 minutes. Press the start button and sit back while your kitchen gadget does all the cooking.
If yours doesn't have that preset, set the temperature to 360°F for 20 minutes or until the meat has reached a temperature of 165°F.
You read it right. The chicken thighs cook time for this recipe is 20 minutes. Air frying is a faster cooking method due to the rapid air circulation technology. It will stop cooking after 20 minutes. From there, open the basket and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. I like to sprinkle on some fresh chopped parsley to add a bit of color to the dish, but this is optional.
🍗 Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
A lot of people have asked me if they can make this chicken thighs recipe in the oven and the answer is Yes! If you don't have an air fryer or if you just want to make these in the oven instead, here's how you do it:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Combine the breadcrumbs and spices in a plastic bag or bowl.
- Place each piece in the bag or bowl and shake until the mixture is covering each piece.
- Place each piece on a baking sheet or pyrex dish and bake for 20 minutes.
- Open the oven and turn over each piece.
- Continue baking for 20 more minutes or until the meat reaches 165°F.
💭 Expert Tips and FAQs
- Some air fryers cook differently than others - I've heard from many of my readers that some brands and versions cook faster than others. My recommendation is to start checking the internal temperature of the meat when it has air fried for 18 minutes to see if the meat has reached 165°F. You're not going to disrupt the cooking by opening the basket and checking.
- Mine doesn't have the chicken option. What temperature should I use and how long should it cook? Set it to 360°F for 20 minutes or until the meat has reached 165°F.
- Can I use chicken breasts or drumsticks to make this recipe? I haven't made this recipe using breasts, but I'm sure they are amazingly tasty. They won't be as juicy as thighs because breasts have less fat. Drumsticks are absolutely delicious, especially with this recipe.
- Should I rinse the thighs before I bread them? Anytime you rinse raw chicken, you run the risk of spreading bacteria. So no, you don't have to but you can if you want. I've done it before and the added moisture helps the panko seasoning stick better.
- Should I turn the thighs over when cooking? It's going to cook evenly through the entire process, but I've found that if you shake the contents in the basket about half way through cooking, it helps the chicken crisp even more.
📖 Best Air Fryer Recipes
You can cook just about anything via this method. If you're looking for more delicious and easy recipes, make sure you check out my article and recipe on how to make chicken tenders using an air fryer. Also, these 13 Recipes That Will Convince You To Buy An Air Fryer are absolutely worth repeating!
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 5 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs, (regular or gluten free)
- 1 teaspoon cumin, ground
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 Tablespoons fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Using a gallon size plastic bag, place all the chicken seasonings and the thighs in the bag. Shake the bag until each piece is well coated. NOTE: A lot of people don't like using plastic bags and prefer to use a bowl. I've found that if you use a large bowl with a lid, you can shake the bowl and it coated the meat really well.
- Next, place each piece of meat side-by-side in the basket. It's ok if the meat touches, but it should not overlap.
- If your air fryer has a chicken preset, select that option. The screen will display 20 minutes. Press the start button.NOTE: If yours doesn't have that preset, set it to 360°F and let it cook for 20 minutes or until the meat has reached an internal temperature of 165°F.
- When done, open the basket and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Video
Notes
Oven Baked Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Combine the breadcrumbs and spices in a plastic bag or bowl.
- Place each piece of chicken in the bag or bowl and shake until the mixture is covering each piece.
- Using tongs, place each piece on a baking sheet or pyrex dish and bake for 20 minutes.
- Open the oven and turn over each piece. Continue baking for 20 more minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Expert Tips and FAQs
- Gluten Free - If you are gluten free, use a gluten free panko or breadcrumb.
- Some Air Fryers Cook Differently Than Others - I've heard from many of my readers that some brands and versions cook faster than others. When making chicken, my recommendation is to start checking the internal temperature of the chicken when it has air fried for 18 minutes to see if the meat has reached 165°F. You're not going to disrupt the cooking by opening the basket and checking.
- Mine does not have the chicken option. What temperature should I use and how long should it cook? For boneless skinless chicken thighs, set the temperature to 360°F for 20 minutes or until the chicken has reached a temperature of 165°F.
- Can I use chicken breasts or drumsticks to make this recipe? I haven't made this recipe using chicken breasts. They won't be as juicy as thighs because breasts have less fat. Drumsticks are absolutely delicious, especially with this recipe.
- Should I rinse the meat before I bread them with the chicken seasoning? Anytime you rinse raw chicken, you run the risk of spreading bacteria. So no, you don't have to but you can if you want. I've done it before and the added moisture helps the panko seasoning stick better.
- Should I turn the thighs over? It will cooks evenly through the entire process, but I've found that if you shake the contents in the basket about half way through cooking, it helps the chicken crisp even more.
Nutrition
Update Notes: This post was originally published in June of 2019, but was re-published with updated step-by-step instructions, pictures, and tips in April 2021.
Penny
They sound delicious and I plan on making these tonight however, under the 'Common Questions and Helpful Tips", it specifies you do not need to turn the thighs halfway through but your responses to the questions for those who don't have a chicken button on their air fryer says to turn them halfway through. Is this the difference of not having a chicken button?
Amanda Mason
It is, yes. It's never going to hurt to turn the chicken over in the middle of the process.
Kathleen
You can easily use a storage container to "shake" the chicken and spice/panko mixture. No need for single use plastic. 🙂
Amanda Mason
Great point! I'll have to put that in the expert tip section!
HEATHER PERINE
I've been using my new air fryer about once a week so I can't wait to put this in the rotation! Love cooking with chicken thighs and these look so crispy and delicious!
Amanda Mason
Heather - you are going to love this recipe!! Let me know how it turns out!
Ivy
This was my first time cooking fried chicken ever and this recipe was not only extremely easy, but absolutely delicious. The spice is flavorful, the skin is crispy and the meat is juicy. This is probably the best Pinterest recipe I’ve made to date. THANK YOU.
Amanda Mason
YEAH Ivy! I'm SOOO glad you liked it so much!! Thank you for writing in and letting me know! I can't WAIT to hear what other recipes of mine you try!!
Alice
This was the first recipe I’ve used for my brand new air fryer! Wow!! I’m so happy. My chicken came out amazing!
Amanda Mason
YEAH!! I'm so glad to hear this! I love my air fryer. I cant wait to hear what other recipes of mine you try!
Nancy
Family absolutely loved these! Made them last night, and daughter actually requested them for breakfast before she was even done dinner! We're making them again tonight - delicious!
Amanda Mason
Yeah! I'm so glad she loved them and that they were a hit!! Thanks for letting me know how they turned out!!! I hope you keep trying more of my recipes!
Vanessa Elizabeth Turner
Holy Cow! This is seriously the best home made chicken we have ever had. We will make this often. Thank you SO much!!!
Amanda Mason
Hi Vanessa! I'm SO glad you loved my chicken thigh recipe! It's one of our family favorites, too! i cant wait to hear what other recipes of mine you try!!
Skeeter Armstrong
My air fryer doesn’t have a chicken button. What temperature should I set my air fryer at?
Amanda Mason
Hi Skeeter - For boneless, skinless chicken thighs, set the air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes, turning halfway through until the chicken has reached a temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are using bone in thighs with skin, increase cook time for 22-25 minutes at 360 degrees. Then cook on 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 more minutes.
I hope that helps!
Judy
I want to try this recipe but my air fryer does not have a “chicken” button. At what temperature should I cook it?
Amanda Mason
Hi Judy! For boneless, skinless chicken thighs, set the air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes, turning halfway through until the chicken has reached a temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are using bone in thighs with skin, increase cook time for 22-25 minutes at 360 degrees. Then cook on 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 more minutes.
I will definitely try the recipe.judy
Thanks! I will definitely try the recipe
Ava
The whole family loved this recipe! Easy, fast and delicious.
Amanda Mason
Hi Ava! I'm SO glad your family loved it!! This is one is one of our family favorites!! Definitely a recipe worth repeating!!