I have three teenagers, and getting dinner on the table every night is a full-time job. Some nights it feels impossible to make something everyone will actually eat. That is why I have totally fallen in love with air fried chicken thighs. They are a game-changer. I make air fried chicken thighs all the time because they cook fast, stay juicy, and my teens even fight over the crispy bits.
Air fried food like this is so easy. You just air fry chicken thighs in the air fryer, and the skin comes out perfectly crispy while the inside stays tender. There is no mess of frying in oil, and it is one of those meals that feels special but is really simple to make. These air fryer chicken thighs recipes are perfect for busy weeknights when everyone is hungry and cranky.
This recipe is my go-to for air fryer fried chicken or air fryer oven recipes nights. It is one of my favorite air fryer recipes chicken thighs because the flavor is amazing and it makes dinner feel fancy without me spending hours. I use air fryer thighs with bone-in because they stay juicy, and with the right seasoning, it becomes the best chicken thigh recipe air fryer.
I have tried many chicken thigh air fryer recipes, but this one with Mediterranean flavors is a total hit. The chicken thigh seasoning recipes make the skin crispy and full of flavor. If you are looking for chicken thighs air fryer recipes or just a chicken thighs recipe that everyone will love, this one is it. Making crispy air fryer chicken thighs has never been easier, and it is one of those new air fryer recipes you will keep coming back to.
If you are ready for a thighs chicken dinner that actually tastes amazing and gets eaten fast, keep reading. This thighs recipe is simple, flavorful, and perfect for busy families.
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs with bone and skin
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Half teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- Half teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the marinade
In a medium bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together. Then put the chicken thighs in the bowl and rub the marinade all over. Make sure every piece gets coated. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes. If you have time, letting it sit in the fridge for a few hours makes it even better.
Step 2: Preheat the air fryer
Turn on your air fryer and set it to 380 degrees Fahrenheit. Let it warm up for 5 minutes while the chicken marinates.
Step 3: Place chicken in the basket
Put the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in one layer. Do not overcrowd them because they need space to get crispy.
Step 4: Cook the chicken
Cook the chicken for 20 to 25 minutes. Halfway through, flip the pieces over. The skin should be golden brown and crispy, and the inside should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
Take the chicken out and sprinkle some chopped parsley on top if you want it to look pretty. Serve it with rice, salad, or veggies. My kids love it with roasted potatoes. My little one even eats the skin and asks for more.
This recipe has become one of my go-tos when life is hectic. It makes dinner feel special, but I do not spend hours cooking. My family loves it, and it is one of those meals that always makes me feel like I actually got dinner done without losing my mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs, but they will cook faster than bone-in chicken thighs. Keep an eye on them in the air fryer so they do not dry out. The flavor will still be great, but bone-in chicken thighs tend to stay juicier.
How do I make the skin extra crispy?
Make sure the chicken thighs are dry before adding the marinade. You can pat them with a paper towel. Air fryer chicken thighs cook best when there is space between them, so do not overcrowd the basket. This helps the skin get golden and crispy.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken a few hours ahead or even overnight in the fridge. This makes the flavor stronger. Just cook it in the air fryer when you are ready to eat.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, cooked chicken thighs freeze really well. Let them cool completely, then put them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to get the skin crispy again.
Air Fryer Mediterranean Chicken Thighs Recipe Card
Air Fryer Mediterranean Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs with bone and skin
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Make the marinade
- In a medium bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Rub the marinade all over the chicken thighs, making sure every piece is coated. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes. For more flavor, you can let it marinate in the fridge for a few hours.
Step 2: Preheat the air fryer
- Set the air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit and let it warm up for 5 minutes while the chicken is marinating.
Step 3: Place chicken in the basket
- Arrange the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they are not crowded so the skin can get crispy.
Step 4: Cook the chicken
- Cook for 20 to 25 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through. The skin should be golden and crispy, and the inside should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top if desired. Serve with roasted vegetables, rice, couscous, or a simple salad.
Notes
Tips
- Pat chicken dry before adding the marinade to help the skin get extra crispy.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed.
- Bone-in chicken stays juicier than boneless.
- Leftover chicken can be reheated in the air fryer to bring back crispiness.
Variations
- Add rosemary or thyme to the marinade for a herby twist.
- Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a slightly smoky flavor.
- Serve with lemon wedges on the side for extra freshness.
- Try boneless chicken thighs if you prefer faster cooking, but watch the time closely to avoid drying out.
Making dinner for three teenagers is never easy, but these air fried chicken thighs make it so much simpler. I love that air fried food like this cooks fast, tastes amazing, and everyone actually eats it without complaints. Using an air fryer to air fry chicken thighs gives the skin that perfect crunch while keeping the inside juicy, and it makes cooking chicken thighs feel so much less stressful.
I make air fryer chicken thighs recipes all the time because they are quick, tasty, and my teens ask for them again and again. This recipe for air fryer fried chicken or air fryer oven recipes has become one of my favorites. I love trying new air fryer recipes chicken thighs style, and these air fryer thighs with bone-in are honestly the best chicken thigh recipe air fryer I have found.
If you are looking for chicken thigh air fryer recipes or just a simple chicken thighs recipe that works for weeknights, this one is perfect. The chicken thigh seasoning recipes make every bite full of flavor, and the crispy air fryer chicken thighs always get eaten fast. These chicken thighs air fryer recipes are easy, and the thighs recipe works with so many sides.
Trying new airfryer chicken thighs or air fry recipes is fun, but this one has become a staple in my house. Crispy air fryer chicken, juicy bone-in chicken thighs, and flavor that hits just right make this thighs chicken recipe one of my new air fryer recipes favorites. Cooking chicken thighs has never been easier, and this thighs recipe is something my whole family loves.
