Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Try these savory and ultra-crispy air fryer chicken thighs for your next meal prep. Each bite is full of flavorful notes of five spice, garlic, ginger, and slightly sweet brown sugar.

📝 Ingredients

• 2 lb chicken thighs (skin-on, bone-in)
• 2 tsp kosher salt (Diamond Crystal brand)
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp dark brown sugar
• 1 tsp ginger powder
• 1/2 tsp five spice
• neutral cooking oil

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Pat dry the 2 lb chicken thighs with a paper towel and place them on a plate or sheet pan.
2. 2In a small bowl, combine all the seasonings: 2 tsp kosher salt, 2 tsp garlic powder, 2 tsp dark brown sugar, 1 tsp ginger powder, and ½ tsp five spice. Mix with a spoon until incorporated.
3. 3Generously coat the chicken thighs with the seasoning, including between the skin and the meat, on top of the skin, and on the bottom of the thighs. Use your spoon to gently lift the skin from the top of the thigh and sprinkle the seasoning on the flesh, without fully separating the skin from the meat.
4. 4Transfer the sheet pan and chicken to the refrigerator for at least 3 hours (and no more than 12 hours) to marinate uncovered. Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and onto the counter for at least 30 minutes (and no more than 1 hour) before air frying.
5. 5Preheat the air fryer to 400 °F.
6. 6Use paper towels to remove excess liquid from the chicken thighs. This will help get the skin crispier.
7. 7Coat the skin of the thighs with a few drops of neutral cooking oil (like avocado oil). You can use your fingers or a brush to evenly coat the chicken.
8. 8Place the chicken thighs, skin-side down on the air fryer basket, and brush more neutral oil on the bottoms of the thighs.
9. 9Air fry for 15 minutes.
10. 10Turn the chicken thighs over and air fry for another 5-10 minutes or until the skin is crispy, golden brown, and the internal temperature reaches 175-180 °F.
11. 11Transfer to a plate and let rest for at least 5 minutes. This will keep the juices inside, allowing the skin to crisp up even more, then serve.