I never thought I could get my three teenagers excited about dinner, but these air fried chicken thighs totally changed that. Every time I make air fried chicken thighs or any air fried food in my kitchen, they come running. It is so nice to have a meal where I can just air fry chicken thighs in the air fryer and know everyone is going to love it. These air fryer chicken thighs recipes are my secret weapon on busy nights. I love that I can make air fryer fried chicken without all the oil and mess of frying, and the air fryer oven recipes make it super easy.
This recipe for air fryer recipes chicken thighs gives perfectly juicy air fryer thighs every single time. I have tried so many different ways, but this is hands down the best chicken thigh recipe air fryer that works with both bone-in chicken thighs and boneless. With simple ingredients, chicken thigh air fryer recipes like this one bring so much flavor. The chicken thigh seasoning recipes I use make the chicken thighs air fryer recipes taste amazing, and I get perfect chicken thighs recipe results every time.
Cooking chicken thighs can be tricky, but these chicken thighs recipes and cooking chicken thighs tips make it simple. I love getting that crispy air fryer chicken on the outside and juicy meat inside. Nothing beats crispy air fryer chicken thighs straight out of the airfryer chicken thighs basket. Trying new air fryer recipes keeps my teens excited about dinner, and this thighs chicken recipe is now one of their favorites. Every thighs recipe I make in the air fryer is a win, and I am so happy to share it with you.
Ingredients You Will Need
- 6 chicken thighs, bone-in or boneless
- 1 cup plain yogurt (I use Greek yogurt)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated or finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (less or more depending on your kids)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Fresh cilantro and lemon wedges for serving
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1 Make the Marinade
Mix the yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, ginger, and all the spices in a big bowl. It should look creamy and smell so good you want to eat it with a spoon.
Step 2 Coat the Chicken
Take the chicken thighs and rub the marinade all over them. Make sure every part of the chicken is covered. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and put it in the fridge for at least two hours. If you can, let it sit overnight. It makes the chicken taste even better.
Step 3 Preheat the Air Fryer
Turn on your air fryer and set it to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Let it warm up for about five minutes. Spray the basket with a little bit of oil so the chicken does not stick.
Step 4 Cook the Chicken
Put the chicken in the basket in one layer. Do not crowd them. Cook for 18 to 20 minutes, and flip the chicken halfway so both sides get crispy. Make sure the inside reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 5 Serve the Chicken
Take the chicken out and put it on a plate. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and squeeze some lemon on top. Serve it with rice, naan, or vegetables. Everyone at the table will be happy and full.
Tips From My Kitchen
Marinating the chicken longer makes it taste even better. I usually do it in the morning before work or the night before. Using skinless chicken thighs helps the marinade soak in. Flipping the chicken halfway makes it crispy on both sides. If your family likes it spicy, add a little more chili powder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work really well. They cook a little faster, so check them a few minutes earlier to make sure they do not overcook. The flavor is still amazing and juicy.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
The longer you marinate, the better it tastes. I usually do at least two hours, but overnight is perfect. Sometimes I marinate in the morning before work and cook in the evening, and it always turns out juicy.
Can I use this recipe for meal prep?
Yes, it is perfect for meal prep. You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and cook it when you are ready. Leftovers store well in the fridge and can be reheated in the air fryer to keep them crispy.
Tandoori Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe Card
Tandoori Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs bone-in or boneless
- 1 cup plain yogurt Greek works great
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 inch ginger grated or finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon chili powder adjust for heat
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Fresh cilantro and lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
Step 1 Make the Marinade
- In a big bowl, mix the yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, ginger, and all the spices. It should look creamy and smell amazing.
Step 2 Coat the Chicken
- Rub the marinade all over the chicken thighs until they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Overnight is even better for more flavor.
Step 3 Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with oil so the chicken does not stick.
Step 4 Cook the Chicken
- Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 5 Serve
- Place the chicken on a plate, sprinkle with fresh cilantro, and squeeze lemon on top. Serve with rice, naan, or vegetables.
Notes
Tips
- Marinate longer for deeper flavor.
- Skinless chicken thighs let the marinade soak in better.
- Flipping the chicken halfway ensures crispy edges on both sides.
- Adjust chili powder for your family’s preferred spice level.
- Air fryer baskets vary, so check the chicken a few minutes early if needed.
Variations
- Use boneless chicken thighs for faster cooking.
- Add a little smoked paprika or cayenne for a smokier or spicier version.
- Serve with cucumber yogurt raita or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Try this recipe with chicken drumsticks for a different cut that works great in the air fryer.
Making air fried chicken thighs has honestly made dinner so much easier at my house. These air fried chicken thighs and other air fried food in my kitchen have turned busy nights into something I actually look forward to. I love that I can just air fry chicken thighs using simple air fryer chicken thighs recipes and get juicy, flavorful results every single time. The air fryer makes air fryer fried chicken and air fryer oven recipes so easy, and trying new air fryer recipes keeps things exciting for my teenagers.
These air fryer recipes chicken thighs are perfect for both bone-in chicken thighs and boneless, and the chicken thigh seasoning recipes I use make every bite taste amazing. I have tried so many chicken thigh air fryer recipes, but this is honestly the best chicken thigh recipe air fryer I have found. Cooking chicken thighs does not have to be hard, and these chicken thighs air fryer recipes and chicken thighs recipe tips make it super simple. I love the crispy air fryer chicken and crispy air fryer chicken thighs that come out every time, and my teens love them too.
If you are looking for thighs chicken or thighs recipe ideas that are fast, flavorful, and kid-friendly, these airfryer chicken thighs are a total win. They have become one of my favorite chicken thighs recipes to make again and again, and I know you and your family are going to love them too.
