Air Fryer Ranch-Seasoned Chicken Thighs
Juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside, these air fryer ranch-seasoned chicken thighs are a busy mom’s dream dinner. With just a few pantry spices and less than 30 minutes, you will have the best crispy air fryer chicken thighs that your whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs bone-in and skin-on (boneless works too)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika optional
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prep
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get crispy in the air fryer.
Step 2: Season
- Mix olive oil, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Rub all over the chicken thighs until fully coated.
Step 3: Air Fry
- Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the basket. Cook at 380°F for 12 minutes. Flip and cook another 10 to 12 minutes until golden and crispy.
Step 4: Check Doneness
- Make sure the internal temperature is 165°F. The skin should be crunchy and brown.
Step 5: Serve
- Let chicken rest a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite sides!
Notes
Tips
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket or the skin will not crisp.
- Bone-in chicken thighs give the best flavor, but boneless works too (just cook less time).
- Spray lightly with cooking spray before air frying for extra crisp.
- Always check with a meat thermometer to make sure chicken is fully cooked.
Variations
- Spicy Ranch: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning mix.
- Garlic Ranch: Double the garlic powder for stronger flavor.
- Parmesan Ranch: Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top before serving.
- Buffalo Ranch: Toss cooked chicken thighs in buffalo sauce for a spicy kick.