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Four pieces of cooked, seasoned air fryer chicken thighs with crispy, browned skin rest inside an open air fryer basket on a kitchen counter.
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5 from 3 votes

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

AB here, and today I've got a mouthwatering recipe that'll have you licking your fingers clean: Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs. If you're on the hunt for a dish that's juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and bursting with flavor, then you're in for a treat. With just a handful of simple ingredients and the magic of your air fryer, you'll be whipping up restaurant-quality chicken thighs right in the comfort of your own kitchen. Get ready to elevate your dinner game with this irresistible recipe!
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time52 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air, chicken, fryer, thighs
Servings: 2 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 chicken thighs
  • 1/2 tbsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tbsp salt
  • 1/4 tbsp pepper
  • 1/2 tsp five spice powder
  • 1 1/2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 tbsp light soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp cooking wine
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • Red food coloring (optional)

Instructions

  • Use a fork to poke holes in the chicken thighs. This allows the marinade to penetrate deeper and ensures even cooking.
  • In a bowl, combine onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, five spice powder, brown sugar, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, vegetable oil, sesame oil, cooking wine, and honey. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated. Optionally, add a few drops of red food coloring for a vibrant color.
  • Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the sauce over the chicken, making sure it is evenly coated. Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, overnight for maximum flavor.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (185°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
  • Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking. Place the marinated chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them for air circulation. Air fry the chicken thighs at 370°F (185°C) for 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.
  • After 15 minutes, carefully remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer. Brush both sides of the chicken with the remaining marinade or glaze. Return the chicken thighs to the air fryer basket and continue to air fry for an additional 2 minutes at 370°F (185°C) to allow the glaze to caramelize and create a delicious crust.
  • To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a food thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  • Once the chicken thighs are cooked through and golden brown, remove them from the air fryer. Allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve your crispy air fryer chicken thighs hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Enjoy your flavorful and juicy chicken dish!

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 340kcal