Smoky Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Up close image of a boneless chicken thigh that has been rubbed in a seasoning blend and air fried.

5 from 1 vote

Smoky Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

These smoky air fryer chicken thighs are seasoned with smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, and a touch of brown sugar for a savory, smoky flavor. The chicken is coated with olive oil before air frying, which helps create a golden, crisp exterior. For 2 pounds of chicken, plan on cooking in 2 batches, with each batch taking about 17-20 minutes.

Prep Time5

Cook Time40

Total Time45

Servings:

Author: Katie Youngs

Ingredients

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs about 5-6 small to medium-sized chicken thighs
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
2 teaspoons light brown sugar
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon yellow mustard powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer. Preheat a basket-style air fryer to 380°F for 2 minutes.
Mix the seasonings. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, oregano, mustard powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
Season the chicken. Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl and drizzle them with the olive oil. Toss to coat, then sprinkle with the seasoning mixture and toss again until they're evenly seasoned. Open up any folded-over pieces so the seasoning covers every bit of the chicken thighs.
Arrange the chicken. Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer in the bottom of the air fryer basket without overlapping. Since 2 pounds of chicken will probably be too much for a basket-style air fryer, you'll likely need to cook the chicken in at least 2 batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. I have a 6-quart air fryer, and it's the perfect size for cooking this recipe in 2 batches.
Air fry the chicken. Cook the first batch at 380°F for 10 minutes. Flip the thighs and continue cooking for 7-10 minutes, depending on their size and thickness. Check the internal temperature with a digital meat thermometer. The chicken is done when the thickest part reaches at least 165°F.
Cook the remaining chicken. Repeat the air-frying steps with the second batch, making sure the thighs are arranged in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Rest and serve. Let the chicken rest before slicing and serving.

Notes

The nutrition information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice.
A 6-quart basket-style air fryer is a good size for this recipe; however, you'll still likely need to cook in batches for 2 pounds of chicken thighs.
Chicken thighs can vary significantly in size, so it's a good idea to check the smaller chicken thighs first. They will probably reach 165°F before the larger thighs.

Nutrition

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