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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Garlic Herb Rub

crispy air fryer chicken thighs with garlic herb rub - featured image

These crispy air fryer chicken thighs with garlic herb rub are fast, foolproof, and deliver shatteringly crisp skin with tender, juicy meat. Perfect for busy weeknights and guaranteed to convert even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds total)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels until no visible moisture remains.
  2. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using).
  3. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and rub evenly. Sprinkle the garlic herb rub over both sides, pressing gently to adhere.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
  5. Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket, leaving at least ½ inch of space between each piece. Cook in batches if needed.
  6. Air fry at 400°F for 12 minutes without opening the basket.
  7. Flip the chicken skin-side up using tongs and cook for another 8-10 minutes, until the skin is deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 175°F (80°C).
  8. Remove from the air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pat the chicken very dry for crispiest skin. Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness (175°F). Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving. For extra crispiness, let seasoned chicken sit uncovered in the fridge for 30 minutes before cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken thighs, garlic herb chicken, easy chicken dinner, weeknight chicken