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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs: Easy No Breading Recipe

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These crispy air fryer chicken thighs (no breading) come together in under 30 minutes, using simple ingredients for shatteringly crisp skin and juicy meat. A foolproof weeknight dinner that will convert even the biggest skeptics.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)
  • 1–2 tablespoons avocado oil (or grapeseed oil, light olive oil)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or 3/4 teaspoon table salt)
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. For best results, place on a wire rack over a baking sheet and refrigerate uncovered for 2-4 hours to dry the skin further.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
  3. Drizzle the avocado oil over the chicken thighs and rub it in evenly. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over both sides of each thigh, getting some under the skin if possible.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer with space between each piece. Cook in batches if necessary.
  6. Air fry at 400°F for 12 minutes. Carefully flip the thighs using tongs and cook for another 10-12 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 175-185°F (aim for 180°F).
  7. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra-crispy skin, after flipping at the 12-minute mark, increase the temperature to 420°F for the remaining cooking time. Do not overcrowd the basket—leave at least half an inch between thighs. If using a conventional oven, bake at 425°F on a wire rack for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken thighs, no breading chicken, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, gluten-free chicken, keto chicken

Find it online: https://lindabake.com/crispy-air-fryer-chicken-thighs-easy-no-breading-recipe/