Air Fryer Chicken Thighs (Crispy & Juicy Recipe)

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are crunchy, crispy, and flavorful, without any excess oil! My easy chicken thighs air fryer recipe is a must-try!

📝 Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs (skin-on, bone-in, approximately 2 pounds total)
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (or your favorite - see notes)
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Preheat the air fryer at 375 degrees F for 2 to 3 minutes or until your chicken is ready to go into the air fryer (whichever is longer). Preheating helps the chicken start cooking immediately for a crispy exterior.
2. 2Dry the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. Drying the chicken helps the seasonings adhere better and promotes crispiness. Place the dry chicken in a large bowl.
3. 3Make the rub: Combine Cajun seasoning, onion powder, black pepper, and brown sugar in a small bowl. Mix well. A well-mixed rub ensures each bite is flavorful.
4. 4Season the chicken: Evenly sprinkle the mixture onto the chicken thighs and massage/press the rub into the chicken skin. Rubbing the seasoning in helps it penetrate the meat for more flavor.
5. 5Add cornstarch: Gently sprinkle cornstarch over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Cornstarch aids in creating a crispy texture when air fried.
6. 6Arrange in air fryer: Place the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Arranging them with space between them ensures even cooking and crispiness on all sides.
7. 7Cook: Air fry at 375°F for 14 minutes, flipping halfway through with tongs. Flipping ensures even cooking and crispiness on both sides.
8. 8Check temperature: Confirm chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees F using a meat thermometer. This is the safe cooking temperature for poultry to ensure it's fully cooked.