Crispy Air Fryer Buttermilk Chicken Thighs | Easy Air Fried Chicken Thighs Recipe for Juicy Bone-In Thighs

I am always looking for new air fryer recipes because with three teenagers in the house, dinner has to be easy but also something they actually wanna eat. These air fried chicken thighs are seriously the best chicken thigh recipe air fryer style I have made in a while. The skin gets super crispy and the inside stays juicy, which is exactly what I need after a long day of cooking, cleaning, and running around.

I love trying out air fryer chicken thighs recipes because it makes cooking chicken thighs so much faster and less messy. Its one of those air fryer oven recipes that you can just set and forget while you help the kids with homework or fold laundry. Plus, this crispy air fryer chicken thighs recipe has become a favorite in our house because it tastes like air fryer fried chicken but without all the hassle.

If you have bone-in chicken thighs and wanna try something new, this chicken thighs air fryer recipes idea is perfect. I use simple chicken thigh seasoning recipes and it always turns out amazing. This air fryer food is something you can whip up in minutes, and it’s one of the best ways to cook chicken thighs if you want something crunchy and tasty.

So if you are looking for a thighs chicken recipe or the best air fry chicken thighs to make, this is it! Its my go-to chicken thighs recipe when I need dinner fast but still want it to feel like something special. Trust me, you will wanna make this again and again!

Ingredients You Will Need

• 4 to 6 chicken thighs (bone-in and skin-on works best!)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Optional: a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like it a little spicy!

You probably already have most of this stuff at home, which makes it even better because it is one less trip to the store!

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1 – Mix the marinade

In a big bowl, pour the buttermilk. Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. If you like it spicy, toss in a little cayenne pepper. Stir it all together so the spices are mixed well.

Step 2 – Add the chicken

Put the chicken thighs into the bowl with the marinade. Use your hands to make sure they are all covered in the buttermilk mix. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and put it in the fridge. Let it sit for at least 2 hours. If you can, marinate it overnight. It makes it extra yummy!

Step 3 – Preheat the air fryer

Turn your air fryer on to 380 degrees Fahrenheit (that is 193 Celsius). Let it warm up for a few minutes so the chicken cooks nice and even.

Step 4 – Cook the chicken

Take the chicken thighs out of the marinade and shake off the extra buttermilk. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook them for about 18 to 22 minutes. Flip them halfway through so both sides get crispy. You can check that the chicken is done by poking it with a fork or using a thermometer to make sure it reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 5 – Let it rest and serve

Once the chicken is cooked, let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving. It helps the juices stay inside and keeps it tender. Serve it with mashed potatoes, a salad, or roasted veggies—whatever you have on hand!

Some Little Tips That Help

• I always marinate it as soon as I can, even if it means making it in the morning before life gets crazy.
• Do not overcrowd the basket. Cook in two batches if you need to.
• A little spray of oil before cooking helps get it extra crispy.

Why This Recipe Makes Life So Much Easier

This Air Fryer Buttermilk Chicken Thighs recipe is like magic. It feels fancy but it is super simple. I can throw it together before running out the door and come back to a hot, delicious dinner waiting for me. The kids love it and I feel like I made something nice without the extra stress. It is definitely going to be on repeat in our house.

Try it and see for yourself. Once you taste how crispy and juicy it is, you will wonder why you ever did it another way!

Frequently Asked Questions

Air Fryer Buttermilk Chicken Thighs Recipe Card

Air Fryer Buttermilk Chicken Thighs

This crispy air fryer chicken recipe is a total lifesaver when you need dinner fast but want it to taste like you spent hours cooking. The buttermilk marinade makes the chicken thighs super tender and flavorful, while the air fryer gives them that crunchy, golden skin without all the oil. It’s one of the best chicken thigh recipes air fryer style that my family keeps asking for again and again!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 22 minutes mins

Marinating Time 2 hours hrs

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• 4 –6 bone-in chicken thighs skin-on for extra crispiness!
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Optional: a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat!

Instructions

 

Step 1 – Make the marinade

• In a big bowl, mix the buttermilk with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add cayenne if you want it spicy! Stir it together.

Step 2 – Marinate the chicken

• Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and coat them well with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. For the best flavor, leave it overnight.

Step 3 – Preheat the air fryer

• Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and let it warm up for a few minutes.

Step 4 – Cook the chicken

• Take the thighs out and shake off extra marinade. Place them in the air fryer basket in one layer. Cook for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cook until the internal temp is 165°F or until the juices run clear.

Step 5 – Rest and serve

• Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This keeps it juicy and super tasty!

Notes

Tips

• Marinate early in the day to let the flavors soak in.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket—cook in batches if needed.
• A quick spray of oil before air frying helps crisp up the skin even more.
• Use a meat thermometer to be sure the chicken is fully cooked.

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Variations

✔ Lemon herb twist: Add some fresh chopped rosemary or thyme to the marinade for a bright, herby flavor.
✔ Spicy version: Add extra cayenne or chili powder for a little heat that the whole family will love.
✔ Garlic butter finish: After cooking, brush the thighs with melted garlic butter for an extra rich flavor.
✔ Make it dairy-free: Swap the buttermilk for a mixture of plain yogurt and a splash of lemon juice.

I seriously love making air fried chicken thighs whenever I need something easy but still feels like I put in a little effort. These crispy air fryer chicken thighs are hands down the best chicken thigh recipe air fryer style I have tried. My teenagers are always asking for it, and honestly, it makes cooking chicken thighs so much less stressful when I can just toss them in the air fryer and go about my day.

If you are looking for new air fryer recipes or air fryer chicken thighs recipes that actually taste like air fryer fried chicken from a restaurant, this is the one you gotta try. Using bone-in chicken thighs and simple chicken thigh seasoning recipes makes it super flavorful without any fuss. Its one of those chicken thighs air fryer recipes that I keep coming back to because its fast, delicious, and everyone loves it.

So if you are in the mood for air fryer oven recipes or just want some easy air fry chicken thighs ideas, give this air fryer food a try. It’s the kind of thighs recipe that makes dinner feel way easier, and the crispy air fryer chicken texture is something you and your family will totally enjoy. Trust me, once you start cooking chicken thighs this way, you will wanna keep making it again and again!

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