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Easy Kid-Approved Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

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These crispy air fryer chicken thighs are ready in under 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients. The cornstarch-spiked rub creates an ultra-crispy crust, and the meat stays juicy and tender—perfect for picky eaters and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (regular or smoked)
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt (or 1½ teaspoons kosher salt)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground preferred)
  • Olive oil spray (or any cooking spray)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels, pressing firmly to absorb all surface moisture.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly mixed.
  4. Add the dried chicken thighs to the bowl and toss with your hands to coat every surface with the seasoning mixture.
  5. Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray.
  6. Arrange the thighs skin-side down in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between each piece.
  7. Spritz the tops of the thighs lightly with olive oil spray.
  8. Cook for 12 minutes. Do not open the basket during this time.
  9. Using tongs, carefully flip each thigh so the skin side is facing up.
  10. Spritz the skin side again with oil and cook for another 8-12 minutes, until the skin is deep golden brown and crispy.
  11. Check for doneness: internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (preferably 175-180°F for tender meat). Juices should run clear when pierced.
  12. Let the thighs rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra crispiness, leave seasoned thighs uncovered in the fridge for 1 hour before cooking. Do not crowd the basket—cook in batches if needed. One flip at the halfway point is enough. Let leftovers cool completely before storing to maintain crispiness. Reheat in air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken thighs, kid-friendly chicken, easy chicken dinner, budget-friendly chicken, gluten-free chicken, keto chicken

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