Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs (No Breading, Low Carb)

If you’re looking for a super easy, healthy, and delicious way to cook chicken thighs, this recipe is for you! These Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs come out perfectly juicy on the inside with irresistibly crispy skin—no breading, no oil, and no fuss. Plus, they’re low-carb and keto-friendly, making them a great option if you’re watching your carbs.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What I love most about this recipe is how quick it is. In less than 30 minutes, you’ve got a flavorful, satisfying meal that works for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Whether you’re serving them with a side of veggies, a fresh salad, or just enjoying them on their own, these chicken thighs are a total winner. Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll never want to cook chicken thighs any other way!

Instructions:

Step 1:

Prep the Chicken:
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get extra crispy!

Step 2

Season:
In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and cayenne (if using). Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs, making sure to rub it into the skin.

Step 3

Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures the chicken cooks evenly and gets that perfect crisp.

Step 4

Arrange the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin-side down. Don’t overcrowd the basket—you may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Step 5

Cook:
Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12 minutes, then flip the chicken thighs skin-side up. Cook for another 10-12 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 6

Rest and Serve:
Let the chicken thighs rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat super juicy.

Tips for Success:

Crispy Skin Trick: Make sure the chicken skin is dry before seasoning, and don’t skip the preheating step!
Even Cooking: If your chicken thighs are larger, you may need to add an extra 2-3 minutes of cooking time.
Sides Ideas: Serve with roasted veggies, a fresh salad, or cauliflower rice for a complete low-carb meal.

Conclusion

These Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs (No Breading, Low Carb) are a game-changer for anyone looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal. With juicy, tender meat and perfectly crispy skin, they’re a crowd-pleaser that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Plus, they’re naturally low-carb, keto-friendly, and gluten-free, making them a versatile option for any diet. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

FAQs

Do I need to use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs?
Yes! The bone helps keep the meat juicy, and the skin gets crispy in the air fryer. If you use boneless, skinless thighs, they’ll still taste great but won’t be as crispy.
Can I use chicken breasts instead?
You can, but cooking times will vary. Chicken breasts cook faster, so reduce the cooking time to avoid drying them out.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating helps ensure even cooking and crispiness, so I recommend it. If you’re short on time, you can skip it, but the results may vary.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Cook the chicken thighs as directed, let them cool, and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to restore the crispiness.
What sides go well with this dish?
Try pairing it with roasted veggies, a fresh salad, cauliflower rice, or mashed cauliflower for a complete low-carb meal.
Can I add other seasonings?
Of course! Feel free to customize the seasoning blend with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano, or add a little chili powder for extra heat.

Ingredients

4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2-3 lbs total)
1 tsp salt (or to taste)
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika (smoked paprika works great for extra flavor!)
1/2 tsp onion powder
Optional: A pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat