How do you make chicken thighs crispy in the air fryer?

The key to crispy air fryer chicken thighs is dry skin + high heat + proper flipping . Pat the chicken skin dry before seasoning, cook at 380°F, and flip halfway through. Finish with a few extra minutes skin-side up to let the air fryer’s heat blister the skin into that satisfying crunch. Using skin-on, bone-in thighs? Even better. The skin naturally crisps while the bone keeps the meat juicy.

How do you make chicken crispy in the air fryer?

For general crispiness—whether thighs, wings, or drumsticks—start by not overcrowding the basket. Space is essential for air to circulate and crisp up every edge. Other essentials: Preheat your air fryer for 5 minutes Avoid heavy sauces or marinades before cooking Use a light coating of oil spray Flip the chicken halfway through Let it rest after cooking for 5 minutes to lock in moisture

What is the secret to crispy air fryer?

The secret? Moisture management . Remove all excess moisture from the surface of your food, especially meats or skin-on cuts. A dry surface = a crispy result. Also: Use a high enough temp (375–400°F range is ideal) Avoid soggy add-ons like wet marinades Use racks or perforated trays to elevate your food Add extra time in short bursts if needed

How do you make crispy chicken skin in the air fryer?

To get chicken skin truly crispy: Dry it completely using paper towels. Season it with dry spices (no wet rubs or glazes). Cook skin-side down first , then flip and finish skin-side up. Use a light mist of oil spray on the skin before cooking. After flipping, let it crisp with full air exposure for 10–15 mins. Cooked it and still not crispy enough? Return to the fryer for 4-minute intervals at 390°F until the texture is perfect.

Why didn’t my chicken get crispy in the air fryer?

There are a few culprits: You didn’t preheat the air fryer You used wet marinades or didn't dry the skin The thighs were crowded in the basket The temperature was too low You forgot to flip them To fix this mid-cook, pat off any moisture, flip them skin-side up, raise the temp slightly, and finish in short 3–5 minute bursts until the skin blisters.

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Amazingly Easy Recipe

Name: Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Amazingly Easy Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Ingredients

Scale

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
Rub the chicken thighs with olive oil. Then, generously sprinkle the spice mixture over both sides of the chicken.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin-side up. Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Author: nyla
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 0g
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 30g