I have three teenagers and feeding them every night can be a whole adventure. They are always hungry and sometimes picky, but I found something that makes dinner way easier and everyone happy – air fried chicken thighs. I love making air fried food because it is quick, tasty, and I do not have to stand in the kitchen forever. My go-to is air fry chicken thighs with lots of flavor and crispiness.
These air fryer chicken thighs are hands down one of the best things to cook when I need something filling but simple. I always turn to air fryer chicken thighs recipes or air fryer fried chicken ideas when I need something fast after a long day. Whether I am using new tricks from air fryer oven recipes or just trying classic air fryer recipes chicken thighs, it never fails to hit the spot.
I keep a bunch of air fryer thighs and airfryer chicken thighs recipes saved because they are so easy to make and always delicious. It is honestly the best chicken thigh recipe air fryer that makes everyone ask for more. I mostly use bone-in chicken thighs because they stay juicy and the flavors really soak in. I always check out chicken thigh air fryer recipes, chicken thigh seasoning recipes, and other chicken thighs air fryer recipes to keep things fresh.
This chicken thighs recipe is one I come back to again and again because it makes cooking chicken thighs super stress free. The crispy air fryer chicken it makes is my teenagers favorite, especially the crispy air fryer chicken thighs. If you are looking for new air fryer recipes or want a simple thighs chicken or thighs recipe, this one is a total winner. It is perfect for busy nights when I want something easy but full of flavor.
Ingredients
Here is what you need to make these crispy curry chicken thighs. You probably already have most of these in your pantry!
- 4 to 6 chicken thighs (you can use bone-in or boneless, whatever you have!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (if you want it a little spicy!)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional but pretty on top)
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1 – Dry the Chicken
Take the chicken thighs and pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps make them extra crispy when they cook. I always let the kids help with this part. They think it is fun!
Step 2 – Add Oil, Salt and Pepper
Put the chicken in a big bowl. Add the olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to mix it all around so every piece is coated. It gets a little messy but that is okay!
Step 3 – Mix the Spices
In a small bowl, mix the curry powder, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, and cayenne. This is the secret to making the chicken super tasty! Sprinkle the spice mix all over the chicken and rub it in with your hands. The smell is amazing and the kids always ask what you are making.
Step 4 – Air Fry the Chicken
Set your air fryer to 400 degrees F (or 200 C). Put the chicken thighs in the basket in one layer. Do not put them on top of each other, or they will not cook right. Cook them for 18 to 22 minutes. Halfway through, flip them over so both sides get crispy.
Step 5 – Add Parsley and Serve
When the chicken is done, take it out and let it rest for a minute. Sprinkle some dried parsley on top if you want it to look pretty. Serve it with rice, salad, or even some warm bread. My kids love dipping it in yogurt!
Final Thoughts
This recipe is a lifesaver for busy moms like me. I can make something fast that tastes really good and everyone at the table is happy. Even on days when I feel tired, this chicken makes dinner feel like I put in a lot of love. Give it a try, and I promise you will feel like a kitchen queen!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They cook a little faster than bone-in thighs, so check them a few minutes earlier to make sure they do not overcook. Both are super tasty and juicy.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely. You can add a little more cayenne pepper or chili powder to the spice mix if you like heat. My kids like it mild, so I usually keep it gentle.
How do I get the chicken extra crispy?
Patting the chicken dry before adding the oil and spices helps a lot. You can also let the chicken sit uncovered in the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes before cooking.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can season the chicken ahead and store it in the fridge for a few hours before cooking. The flavor actually gets better the longer it sits.
Crispy Curry Spiced Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe Card
Crispy Curry Spiced Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 4 to 6 chicken thighs bone-in or boneless
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for heat
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley optional for garnish
Instructions
Step 1 – Dry the Chicken
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. This helps make them extra crispy when they cook.
Step 2 – Add Oil, Salt and Pepper
- Place the chicken in a bowl. Add olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to coat every piece evenly.
Step 3 – Mix the Spices
- In a small bowl, combine curry powder, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, and cayenne. Sprinkle over the chicken and rub it in so it is fully coated.
Step 4 – Air Fry the Chicken
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 C). Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
Step 5 – Garnish and Serve
- Remove chicken from the air fryer. Sprinkle dried parsley on top if you like. Serve with rice, salad, or bread.
Notes
Tips
- Patting the chicken dry before seasoning is key for crispy skin.
- Bone-in thighs stay juicier but boneless cooks faster.
- Let the seasoned chicken sit in the fridge for 20–30 minutes before cooking to boost flavor.
- Reheat leftovers in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back crispiness.
Variations
- Add a little turmeric or smoked paprika to the spice mix for a different flavor.
- Make it spicy by adding more cayenne or chili powder.
- Serve with a yogurt cucumber dip or mango chutney for a fun twist.
- Swap chicken thighs for drumsticks or wings if preferred.
Making dinner for three teenagers is not always easy, but these air fried chicken thighs make it so much simpler. I love how quick and fuss free this air fried food is, and my kids actually sit down and eat without complaining. Air fry chicken thighs are my go-to when I want something tasty and crispy without spending forever in the kitchen. I keep trying new air fryer chicken thighs recipes and air fryer fried chicken ideas, but this one is always the favorite.
Using bone-in chicken thighs really keeps them juicy, and the spices make it feel like a special meal. I love checking out air fryer oven recipes and air fryer recipes chicken thighs to see what new tricks I can try, but honestly, this air fryer thighs recipe is the best chicken thigh recipe air fryer in my house. My teenagers love the crispy air fryer chicken, especially the crispy air fryer chicken thighs, and I love how easy cooking chicken thighs has become with air fry recipes.
If you are looking for chicken thigh air fryer recipes or chicken thigh seasoning recipes, this one is a winner. It is simple, delicious, and perfect for busy nights. Trying new air fryer recipes and making thighs chicken or thighs recipe variations keeps dinner fun, and I always know this chicken thighs recipe will be a hit. It is one of those recipes you keep coming back to again and again because it works every time.
