Description
Crispy, juicy bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs cooked in an air fryer with a smoky BBQ-style dry rub. Ready in just 20 minutes with restaurant-quality results.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4–6 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
Instructions
- Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness.
- Place chicken in a large bowl and drizzle with avocado oil, tossing to coat evenly.
- Add smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, pepper, and brown sugar. Toss until every piece is coated in the rub.
- Let chicken sit for 10 minutes while the air fryer preheats to help the salt penetrate.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place chicken thighs in the basket in a single layer, skin-side down. Do not stack or overcrowd.
- Cook for 8-9 minutes.
- Flip chicken so skin-side is up. Cook for another 7-9 minutes.
- Check internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from air fryer and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Notes
Do not skip drying the chicken; moisture prevents crisping. Ensure chicken is in a single layer to allow air circulation. If skin browns too fast, lower temperature to 375°F. Internal temperature should be 165°F. Resting is crucial to retain juices.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thigh (approx. 6 o
- Calories: 380
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 28
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Protein: 28
Keywords: air fryer chicken, chicken thighs, crispy chicken, air fryer recipes, quick dinner, BBQ chicken, healthy chicken, gluten-free