30 Chicken Thighs Air Fryer Recipes That Will Make Mealtime a Dream!

October 23, 2024
Written by Kristy J. Norton

Do you think that air fryer dishes have to be basic? Well, think again! These chicken thighs air fryer recipes are delicious proof that you can get really creative with your meals. From spiced thighs to fried chicken, the opportunities are endless! 

chicken thighs air fryer

1. Spiced Chicken Thighs 

With a few spices, this recipe shows you how to transform your chicken thighs into a delicious and crispy dish! Simply toss the thighs in a mix of kosher salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder along with a bit of oregano. Then, cook the chicken in the air fryer on each side until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside! 

Get the recipe here

Spiced Chicken Thighs

2. Brown Sugar and Spice Chicken Thighs 

Sweet, smoky, and spicy - you can enjoy it all with this recipe! Here, brown sugar works beautifully with spices like chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Mix the brown sugar and spices together and toss the chicken in this. Then, air fry until cooked through! 

Get the recipe here

Brown Sugar and Spice Chicken Thighs 

3. Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs 

This recipe makes for the most delicious and fragrant chicken thighs! First, mix up butter, fresh rosemary and thyme, garlic, lemon juice, and zest. Rub this all over the chicken, including under the skin and air fry. Baste the chicken with cooking juices and then serve when golden brown!  

Get the recipe here

Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs 

4. Lemon, Herb, and Spice Chicken Thighs 

Brighten up your chicken thighs with this yummy recipe! Here, the chicken thighs are drizzled in lemon juice before being coated with salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder, sweet paprika, and mixed herbs. Air fry on each side until the chicken thighs are golden brown! 

Get the recipe here

Lemon, Herb, and Spice Chicken Thighs 

5. Lemon Rosemary Chicken Thighs 

This is a great recipe for when you want a light yet delicious meal! Mix fresh rosemary with lemon juice and zest, olive oil, garlic, and spices. Marinate the thighs in this before cooking in the air fryer until crispy. Rest and then serve! 

Get the recipe here

Lemon Rosemary Chicken Thighs 

6. Super Crispy Chicken Thighs 

Want to get extra crispy chicken just like when you deep fry your thighs? Well, follow this recipe to discover how! The secret is to brine the chicken for a short while before coating the thighs in spices and herbs. Then, rub a little bit of baking powder onto the skin to get that super crispy texture! 

Get the recipe here

Super Crispy Chicken Thighs 

7. Honey Ginger Chicken Thighs 

The incredible combination of sweetener, spices, and aromatics make this a standout dish! Mix honey, oyster sauce, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and Chinese 5 spice powder and let the chicken marinate in this. Then, cook in the air fryer, making sure to flip the chicken  halfway through! 

Get the recipe here

Honey Ginger Chicken Thighs 

8. Honey Chili Soy Chicken Thighs 

Sweet and aromatic, these chicken thighs make for the most flavorful meal! Begin by marinating the thighs in honey, soy sauce, chili flakes, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Then, air fry the chicken thighs until cooked through. In the meantime, simmer reserved marinade in a pan and drizzle this over the thighs when done! 

Get the recipe here

Honey Chili Soy Chicken Thighs 

9. Glazed Chicken Thighs 

These chicken thighs have all the flavor you could possibly want! The chicken is tossed and marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sweet chili sauce, hot chili paste, and garlic! Once marinated, cook the thighs in the air fryer.Heat up the reserved marinade and toss the thighs in it when they are done!  

Get the recipe here

Glazed Chicken Thighs 

10. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs 

Here is a delicious way to add a little decadence to your dinner! In this recipe, you melt butter and then whisk in garlic, parmesan, and seasonings. Completely coat the chicken thighs with this mix and then pop into the air fryer and cook until brown and fragrant! 

Get the recipe here

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs 

11. Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs 

Sweet, tangy, and earthy, the flavors in this recipe are just too good! Brush the chicken with a mix of lemon juice, garlic, honey, and spices until thoroughly coated. Add this to the air fryer and cook until golden brown. Then, squeeze some lemon juice over the thighs and sprinkle with parsley! 

Get the recipe here

Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs 

12. Parmesan Crusted Chicken Thighs 

Delicious with just the right amount of crunch, these chicken thighs are sure to become a fan favorite with everyone! Begin by tossing the chicken in oil and spices. Then, carefully dip the thighs into a mix of breadcrumbs, parmesan, and Italian seasoning until well coated. Air fry the thighs until crispy! 

Get the recipe here.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Thighs 

13. Buffalo Chicken Thighs 

Add a little zing to your chicken thighs with this feisty buffalo chicken recipe! All you have to do is toss the thighs in buffalo sauce until they are covered in it. Then, place in the air fryer and cook, making sure to flip the thighs over halfway through the cooking process! 

Get the recipe here.  

Buffalo Chicken Thighs 

14. Ranch Crusted Chicken Thighs 

Ranch lovers rejoice - this recipe shows you how to coat your chicken thighs with ranch! Simply sprinkle the chicken thighs with your choice of ranch dressing mix. When coated, place the thighs in the air fryer and cook until golden brown and crispy! 

Get the recipe here

Ranch Crusted Chicken Thighs 

15. BBQ Chicken Thighs 

On the days that you don't feel like turning on the grill, give this recipe a try - you will be pleasantly surprised at how good it tastes!  Coat the chicken in spices and then air fry for a few minutes. Brush with barbecue sauce and cook for a little longer. Then, flip over, baste with barbecue sauce and cook until done. Brush with more barbecue sauce and serve! 

Get the recipe here

BBQ Chicken Thighs 

16. Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Chicken Thighs 

If you want to try something a little different then you have got to check out this recipe! Begin by halving jalapenos lengthwise. Then, stuff them with cream cheese mixed with spices. Hammer the chicken thighs so they are nice and thin and place the jalapenos in the middle. Roll the chicken and then air fry!  

Get the recipe here

Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Chicken Thighs 

17. Chili Lime Chicken Thighs 

This is such a great dish for a summer lunch or dinner - there are such bright flavors here! Mix up lime juice and zest, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, and other spices together. Coat the chicken in this and marinate. Then, cook in the air fryer until golden brown! 

Get the recipe here

Chili Lime Chicken Thighs 

18. Fried Chicken Thighs 

You don't have to miss out on good old fashioned fried chicken if you are trying to stay healthy or just avoid all the hassle! This recipe shows you how to make a truly delicious version in the air fryer. Simply dip the thighs in buttermilk and then coat in a mix of flour, cornflour, and spices. Place in the air fryer and cook until nice and crispy!

Get the recipe here

Fried Chicken Thighs 

19. Chicken Thighs with Chimichurri 

Add a bright pop of flavor by serving spice and herb coated chicken thighs with a homemade chimichurri! First, toss the thighs in a mix of paprika, granulated garlic, onion powder, cayenne, coriander, oregano, and parsley. Then cook in the air fryer. In the meantime, blend together all the ingredients for the chimichurri and serve with the thighs! 

Get the recipe here

Chicken Thighs with Chimichurri 

20. Mediterranean Chicken Thighs 

Enjoy a combination of delicious flavors, offering up air fried chicken thighs that are tangy, smoky, and herby! Mix red wine vinegar, lemon juice and zest, olive oil, garlic, herbs, and spices together. Thoroughly coat the thighs in this and marinate. Then, cook in the air fryer. When done, sprinkle with feta cheese and parsley! 

Get the recipe here

Mediterranean Chicken Thighs 

21. Cajun Chicken Thighs 

If you want a ton of flavor without any fuss, give this recipe a try! Here, the chicken thighs are tossed in cajun seasoning and then air fried until golden brown. If you want your thighs extra crispy, make sure to broil them a little longer! 

Get the recipe here

Cajun Chicken Thighs 

22. Mustard Balsamic Chicken Thighs 

There are a lot of zesty flavors to enjoy with this recipe! Mix ground mustard with lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, rosemary, and pepper. Marinate the chicken in this before cooking in the air fryer until golden brown! 

Get the recipe here

Mustard Balsamic Chicken Thighs 

23. Maple Balsamic Chicken Thighs 

Sweet, tangy, and dripping with juiciness - people will be surprised to learn that these chicken thighs were made in the air fryer! First, marinate the thighs in a mix of balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, olive oil, garlic, mustard, and herbs. Cook the thighs until they are lightly charred and serve with a balsamic reduction!  

Get the recipe here

Maple Balsamic Chicken Thighs 

24. Chicken Thighs with Mustard, Garlic, and Rosemary Sauce 

This may seem like a fancy recipe but it is actually super easy to make! Season the chicken and place in the air fryer along with garlic. Remove the garlic halfway through, chop, and add to oil, lemon juice, rosemary, mustard, and red pepper flakes. Once the chicken is done, serve with this sauce! 

Get the recipe here

Chicken Thighs with Mustard, Garlic, and Rosemary Sauce 

25. Hoisin Chicken Thighs 

Delicious and sticky, these chicken thighs are going to taste like takeout! Mix hoisin sauce with orange juice, sesame oil, and garlic. Marinate the chicken thighs in this for several hours and then place the thighs in tha air fryer. Cook until they are done and there is a light glaze on the thighs! 

Get the recipe here

Hoisin Chicken Thighs 

26. Honey Sriracha Chicken Thighs 

A little bit sweet, a little bit spicy - there is a lot to love about these chicken thighs! Start by placing the chicken thighs in the air fryer and cooking. While this is happening, simmer honey, sriracha, ketchup, and garlic together. Take the thighs out just before they are done and roll in the sauce. Cook again before basting the thighs one more time and then serve! 

Get the recipe here

Honey Sriracha Chicken Thighs 

27. Chicken Thigh Tacos 

This recipe is going to show you how to make the best tacos ever! Start by marinating the thighs in orange, oil, and spices. Place the thighs in the air fryer and cook. Take the thighs out and shred. Add to a tortilla along with shredded cheese, fold, and fry in the air fryer until golden brown! 

Get the recipe here

Chicken Thigh Tacos 

28. Gochujang Chicken Thighs 

This Korean inspired chicken thighs dish is just brimming with flavor! Mix gochujang, gochugaru, sesame oil, brown sugar, soy sauce, and seasonings and marinate the chicken in this. Then, cook until nice and tender! 

Get the recipe here

Gochujang Chicken Thighs 

29. Sesame Chicken Thighs 

The smoky savory flavor of these chicken thighs are just incredible! Coat the chicken in a mix of sesame oil, sriracha, honey, soy sauce, and vinegar and marinate. Then, add to the air fryer and cook on each side until done. Serve with green onions and sesame seeds! 

Get the recipe here

Sesame Chicken Thighs 

30. Lemongrass Chicken Thighs with Scallion Oil 

This zesty and bright flavors really hit the spot in this recipe! Marinate the chicken in lemongrass, fish sauce, sugar, and chili flakes before adding to the air fryer. In the meantime, heat up oil and pour over scallions. Serve this oil with the chicken thighs! 

Get the recipe here

Lemongrass Chicken Thighs with Scallion Oil 

These air fryer chicken thighs recipes make it a breeze to get meals on the table while also guaranteeing that they are going to be tasty. And, since you have so many recipes to choose from you don't have to worry about you or your family getting bored anytime soon! 

By Kristy J. Norton
I'm Kristy – a chef and connoisseur of all things BBQ! You can find me either in my kitchen (or someone else's) or at a big outdoor barbecue surrounded by friends and family. In both my professional and personal life I’ve picked up more than a few tips and tricks for turning out delicious food. I consider it a privilege to share it with others!
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