15 EASY Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipes

~ Making air fryer chicken thighs is such a quick, healthy dinnertime solution! Truly so easy. And, with lots of different flavor profiles and recipe styles to choose from, it never has to get boring, either. We’ve got 15 different recipes for you to choose from, so you have lots of options! ~

Although chicken thighs are somewhat higher in fat and calories than breast meat, they can still be a healthful option if you cook them right.

One great method: the air fryer!

Air fried chicken thighs can capture that crispy exterior and juicy interior you love in regular, old-school fried chicken … without the naughty oil-frying part. Boo-yah!

Want to make those thighs even healthier still? Simply skip the skin!

For this recipe collection, I specifically selected recipes that call for skinless chicken thighs or at least offer the option of removing the skin. If you’re shooting for a healthier chicken thigh recipe, removing the skin is a great move, since it notably reduces fat and calories.

Without the deep frying (or the skin), those thighs can fit right into your healthy eating routine. And, with these super-easy recipes, they’re a great choice even on busy evenings.

Soooo … for all of you who love the recipe ideas we shared in our collections of Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipes and Air Fryer Chicken Wings, here’s another sure-to-inspire recipe collection for you.

Quick, easy, and healthier, too – everything you love about air fryer chicken!

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken

A buttermilk marinade tenderizes the chicken, so it practically melts in your mouth. A touch of hot sauce adds flavor (rather than heat), and the crispy breading offers homestyle, traditional seasonings. Mmmmmm … this healthier take on classic fried chicken will make you wanna pack up your picnic basket for a down-home picnic! (from Bintu at Budget Delicious)

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Crispy Chicken Burgers

Coat chicken thighs with lots of yummy herbs and spices and super crispy panko breadcrumbs, and fry ’em up until they’re beautifully crispy! Sun-dried tomatoes and Italian herbs lend a bit of Mediterranean flair to this budget-friendly, super-simple recipe. (from Helen at Scrummy Lane)

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Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs

A fast, two-step method builds big flavor and succulent texture with a quick brine, followed by a coating of parmesan cheese, garlic powder and smoked paprika. Air fryer reheating instructions for leftovers, too! Note that, although the recipe card doesn’t mention using skinless thighs, the post offers that option. (from Elaine at Flavour & Savour)

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Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken

Calling all heat-lovers! You’re definitely in for a wild ride with this deliciously healthier version of the beloved, classic spicy fried chicken. Buttermilk-soaked chicken thighs are air-fried until perfectly crispy, and then brushed in a sweet & spicy brown sugar-cayenne sauce. (from Sarah at Whole and Heavenly Oven)

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Air Fryer Thai Chicken Satay

Love Thai recipes but don’t have a lot of time to fuss with prep? This one’s for you! Thanks to a no-chopping satay marinade (and only 10 ingredients), these chicken thighs come out of the air fryer super flavorful – earthy and lightly smoky with a kiss of sweetness. (from Chihyu at I Heart Umami)

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KFC Copycat Air Fryer “Fried” Chicken Thighs

This Kentucky Fried Chicken copycat recipe is waaaaaaay healthier than making them deep fried. A crunchy, battered outer layer surrounds tender, juicy meat inside. See ya later, fast food drive-thru! (from Justine at The Typical Mom)

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Honey Balsamic Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

You just need a few common ingredients to create this quick chicken thighs recipe. The marinade cleverly doubles as a to-die-for finishing glaze – so simple! (from Dara at Cookin Canuck)

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Buffalo Chicken Thighs

Buffalo chicken is always a hit, and in this recipe the meat is both marinated and also smothered in Frank’s Hot Sauce … for the ultimate Buffalo flavor experience! Perfect for a weeknight dinner, but a great choice for game days, too. (from Agnieszka at Wholly Tasteful)

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Ranch Crusted Air Fried Chicken Thighs

Anything “ranch” is usually a surefire way to get a family seal of approval! Be sure to note her suggestion in the post (not in the recipe card) about ditching the skin and decreasing the cook time. And don’t miss the chance to skip the packet ranch and try her homemade version instead – healthy and super-simple! (from Deanna at Tastes of Homemade)

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Air Fryer Jamaican Style Curry Chicken Thighs

A modern twist on the traditional Jamaican dish. Typically, Jamaican curry chicken is cooked slowly over low heat to allow the bold spices and flavors to develop. This recipe embraces those same flavors to marinate the chicken, but leverages the speedy air fryer to cook it much more quickly! (from Sarah at Real Food with Sarah)

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Simple Seasoned Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

So very easy! Rub the thighs with a simple but delicious seasoning blend that features common spices you probably have on hand. Then … let your air fryer do the rest! The chicken comes out perfectly juicy, every time! (from Kristine at Kristine’s Kitchen)

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Air Fryer Chicken Teriyaki

Traditional chicken teriyaki is actually baked and then fried. But in the air fryer, it’s got simpler prep and it’s healthier, too! And come on – look at that – it looks just like the chicken-on-a-stick everybody loves at Chinese restaurants! (from Heather at The Food Hussy)

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Mustard Balsamic Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Coarse mustard and balsamic vinaigrette are amped up with rosemary and lemon juice for big flavors in a super-easy, healthy recipe from a former personal trainer. Ridiculously tender, juicy, and flavorful, with minimal effort! (from Mason at Kinda Healthy Recipes)

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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

The unique, almond flour and Parmesan cheese coating mixture is a great low-carb, gluten-free alternative to typical breadcrumbs. The perfect contrast to the tender and juicy meat inside! Italian and Cajun spices pump up the wow factor even more for bold taste from just a few ingredients. (from Bintu at Recipes from a Pantry)

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Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Honey Soy Marinade

Using boneless skinless chicken thighs allows the marinade to really get into the meat. They turn out sweet and crispy with a scrumptious Asian flavor! (from Samantha at Everyday Family Cooking)

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Guess it’s time to bust out that air fryer!

And hey, while you’re in the air fryin’ mood, be sure to check out our other Air Fryer Chicken Recipe Collections, too:

No wonder air fryers are so darn popular. Mmmmmm … so many delicious options for turning plain old chicken into something truly special (and so much healthier, too)!

See ya later, old-school deep frier!