Description
Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Thighs deliver incredibly crunchy skin and juicy meat using only simple seasonings. This recipe requires no breading, keeping it perfect for your keto diet.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (optional, for extra crisp)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs very dry using paper towels.
- Combine kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and oregano in a small bowl.
- Toss the dried thighs with avocado oil, then rub the seasoning mix all over.
- If using, lightly sprinkle the baking powder over the skin of each thigh and rub it in until it disappears.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the thighs skin side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 12 minutes.
- Flip the thighs skin side up. Cook for an additional 10 to 14 minutes, or until the skin is deeply crisp and an instant-read thermometer registers 175°F to 185°F in the thickest part.
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Patting the skin dry is the most important step for achieving maximum crispiness.
- The optional baking powder helps the skin crackle without adding carbs.
- Cook the thighs to at least 175°F for the best texture in dark meat.
- Check your seasoning blend to make sure it contains no added sugar for strict keto adherence.
- Resting the meat helps the juices redistribute, keeping your thighs tender.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American