Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are tender, golden, and packed with bold Mediterranean-inspired flavor thanks to a quick lemon-garlic marinade.
Olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, and Italian seasoning work together to create a juicy, savory coating that crisps beautifully in the air fryer.
The result is flavor-rich chicken with a crisp edge and a juicy center that cooks in minutes. This is one of those back-pocket dinners we keep on repeat. It’s simple to prepare, uses pantry spices, and turns basic chicken thighs into a vibrant, satisfying meal.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe Highlights
- Ready in under an hour with just 15 minutes of active time
- Air fryer delivers crisp edges without drying out the meat
- Uses simple pantry spices for bold flavor
- Works well with a variety of side dishes
- Great for meal prep or last-minute dinners
Ingredient Notes
Please check the recipe card below for a detailed, printable ingredient list.
CHICKEN – I use boneless, skinless thighs for fast, even cooking and juicy texture. Bone-in works too, but adjust cook time.
OLIVE OIL AND LEMON JUICE – The oil adds moisture and helps crisp the edges, while lemon juice brings brightness and helps tenderize the meat.
GARLIC – Minced fresh garlic adds sharp, savory depth to the marinade.
SPICES – I use Italian seasoning for a balanced herb blend, cumin for warmth, paprika for color and smokiness, coriander for a subtle citrus note, salt to enhance everything, and black pepper for mild heat. You can swap in smoked paprika or extra cumin if preferred.
How To Make Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Please check the printable recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
- Marinate chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices.
- Preheat air fryer to 380° Fahrenheit.
- Air fry chicken in a single layer for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Rest briefly, then garnish with parsley and lemon wedges.
Leftovers and Storage
STORE – Keep the Air Fryer Chicken Thighs leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavor holds up well and makes great next-day lunches.
FREEZE – Transfer fully cooled chicken to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months for easy future dinners.
REHEAT – Pop the Air Fryer Chicken Thighs in the air fryer at 350° Fahrenheit for 5 to 6 minutes until hot and crisp again.
MAKE AHEAD – You can mix the marinade and coat the chicken the day before. Store it covered in the fridge and cook fresh when you’re ready.
More Easy and Delicious Air Fryer Recipes
Serving Suggestions
TABOULI SALAD – This fresh, herby salad adds a bright contrast to the warm spices in the chicken. It’s especially good if you’re serving the dish cold or room temperature.
POTATOES – Serve with Roasted Potatoes for a classic, comforting side, or go with Parmesan Crusted Potatoes when you want a crispy, cheesy option to soak up the marinade flavors. And our reader favorite Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes is always a great choice!
CHOPPED SALAD – A mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion with a light vinaigrette brings cool crunch and balances the richness of the Air Fryer Chicken Thighs.
MEDITERRANEAN PLATTER – Combine sliced chicken with hummus, feta, olives, and warm pita for a fun, customizable meal that works for entertaining or easy weeknights.
Recipe Success Tips
GIVE THE MARINADE TIME TO WORK – A minimum of 30 minutes is enough to boost flavor, but if you can, go for 4 to 8 hours. This lets the garlic, spices, and lemon soak in without softening the chicken too much.
USE A FLAT CONTAINER – A shallow dish helps the marinade coat the chicken evenly. This means better surface coverage and more consistent flavor when it cooks.
DON’T POUR IN EXTRA MARINADE – Let the excess drip off before air frying. Too much liquid in the basket can lead to steaming instead of crisping.
FLIP WITH CONFIDENCE – Use tongs or a spatula to flip halfway through cooking. This helps the surface brown evenly and keeps the spice crust intact.
EXPERT TIP – If your air fryer runs hot or the spices start to darken too quickly, lower the temperature to 360° Fahrenheit after flipping to prevent over-browning while still reaching 165° Fahrenheit inside.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I use bone-in chicken thighs?
Yes, just increase the cook time by a few minutes. Always check for 165° Fahrenheit at the thickest part.
Can I skip the marinade?
I don’t recommend it. The marinade is what gives the chicken its signature flavor and juiciness.
What if my air fryer is small?
Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Keep cooked chicken warm in a low oven if needed.
More Chicken Thigh Recipes
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds chicken thighs boneless, skinless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices until fully combined. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for maximum flavor.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380° Fahrenheit for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165° Fahrenheit. Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Serve with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of chopped parsley, alongside your favorite Mediterranean sides.
Notes
Nutritional Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Cheerful Cook team members are not trained nutritionists or medical professionals. Calorie information and nutritional values are estimates. If you have nutritional concerns, we recommend using a nutritional calculator.
Maike Corbett is the founder and food blogger of Cheerful Cook, a popular recipe website featuring comfort food recipes from the US and Germany. She has been featured in numerous media outlets, including the AP Wire and MSN.