Dinner time in my house gets loud real fast. Three kids running around, and everyone already asking what is for dinner when I have not even cleaned up lunch. That is why I love making air fryer chicken thighs. They are fast, crispy, and full of flavor, and I do not need to stand at the stove forever.
These air fried chicken thighs come out with crispy skin and juicy meat. I use simple seasoning, toss them in the air fryer, and it does all the work. I have tried a bunch of air fryer recipes chicken thighs, but this one right here is the one my whole family eats without complaints. That is a big win in my book.
Whether you are using bone-in chicken thighs or boneless, this recipe still works great. The herbs and garlic give it so much flavor. It is also one of those chicken thighs air fryer recipes that makes your kitchen smell amazing, which is fun when you are tired and want something easy.
If you are trying out new air fry recipes or love making crispy air fryer chicken thighs, this one is going to be your new go-to. I add it to my list of favorite chicken thighs recipes for busy weeknights when I just need dinner done quick. I also love how easy it is to make changes with different spices if I am out of something.
Whether you are cooking for picky kids, hungry teens, or just tired of the same old stuff, give this air fryer chicken thighs recipe a try. It is simple, tasty, and feels like a win every single time.
Ingredients You Need
- 4 chicken thighs (boneless or bone-in, skin still on is good too)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, chopped real small
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper (add how much you like)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the air fryer
Set your air fryer to 380 degrees. Let it warm up while you do the rest. Mine takes like 5 minutes.
Step 2: Make the garlic herb mix
In a bowl, dump in the oil or butter. Add garlic, thyme, rosemary, parsley, and salt and pepper. Stir it all together. It should smell yummy already.
Step 3: Rub it on the chicken
Take your chicken thighs and coat them all over with the garlic herb mix. Like every corner. I just use my hands. It gets messy, but it is fun.
Step 4: Air fry the chicken
Put the chicken in the air fryer basket in one layer. Make sure they are not on top of each other. Cook them for 18 to 20 minutes. Flip them halfway through. If they got bones, you might need 2 or 3 more minutes.
Step 5: Check if it is done
Use a meat checker thing if you have one. The inside should be 165 degrees. Or just cut into the biggest piece. It should not be pink.
Step 6: Let it rest
Take the chicken out and let it sit for 5 minutes. It helps keep the juicy stuff inside.
Step 7: Serve it up
I serve this with mashed potatoes or leftover rice or even just bread. No one ever complains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, you can. I do it all the time. Just check the time since boneless cooks a little faster than bone-in. It still gets juicy and crispy.
Can I use frozen chicken thighs?
Yes, but thaw them first if you can. It cooks more even that way. If you cook from frozen, it might take a few more minutes.
Can I switch up the seasoning?
Totally. Use what you got. I do garlic, thyme, and rosemary, but sometimes I just use whatever spice blend is sitting in my cabinet.
Recipe Card: Air Fryer Garlic Herb Chicken Thighs
Air Fryer Garlic Herb Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs boneless or bone-in, skin on or off
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt to taste
- Black Pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the air fryer
- Set air fryer to 380 degrees. Let it heat up for about 5 minutes while you get the chicken ready.
Step 2: Mix the seasoning
- In a bowl, stir together oil or butter, garlic, thyme, rosemary, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Coat the chicken
- Rub that garlic herb mix all over the chicken thighs. Make sure each piece is coated good.
Step 4: Air fry the chicken
- Put the chicken in the air fryer basket in one layer. Do not crowd it. Air fry for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 5: Check if it is done
- Chicken should be 165 degrees inside. Cut into one if you are not sure. It should not be pink.
Step 6: Let it rest
- Take the chicken out and let it sit for 5 minutes so it stays juicy.
Step 7: Serve and enjoy
- Serve with whatever you got on hand—rice, veggies, noodles, even toast.
Notes
Tips
- Use a meat thermometer if you have one. It makes things easy.
- Want it extra crispy? Cook at 400 degrees the last 2 minutes.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning for better crisp.
Variations
- Swap olive oil with butter for extra rich flavor.
- Try lemon zest or paprika for a twist.
- Use boneless chicken breast if that is what you have—just check cook time.
- Add red chili flakes if you like it spicy.
If you made it this far, you are ready to make some real good chicken. This air fryer chicken thighs recipe is one I keep using again and again. It is super easy and does not make a mess. My kids ask for it all the time, and I do not mind, because it tastes amazing and I do not gotta stand in the kitchen all day.
These air fried chicken thighs come out crispy and juicy. I love how the air fryer does all the work. If you like trying new air fryer recipes, this one is a keeper. Whether you are using bone-in chicken thighs or boneless, it just works.
The garlic and herbs make it taste fancy but it is still super chill to cook. It is one of the best chicken thigh recipe air fryer style I have made. Perfect for when I do not wanna deal with big dinners but still want something yummy.
Add it to your list of air fryer recipes chicken thighs and pull it out on busy nights. Great for meal prep too. If you are into air fryer fried chicken, or just love trying air fry recipes, this is one to save.
Chicken thighs air fryer recipes like this are why I keep using my air fryer all the time. It makes cooking chicken thighs actually fun again. And who does not love crispy air fryer chicken thighs that do not take a ton of work?
This is good food. Real food. Family food. Now go make it. Then eat it while it is hot before someone steals the last piece.
