Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs: Best Crackling Skin
These crispy air fryer chicken thighs feature shatteringly crackling skin and juicy meat, achieved with a simple dry brine and no oil. Ready in about 30 minutes with minimal hands-on prep, this recipe is perfect for weeknights and impresses every time.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus 12-24 hours dry brining)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 to 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 to 2 pounds total)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt per pound of chicken (Diamond Crystal recommended)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (optional)
- Optional seasonings: garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, or onion powder (about 1/2 teaspoon total)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- Season generously with kosher salt on both sides (about 1 teaspoon per pound). Sprinkle from a height of 6 inches for even distribution. Do not rub in.
- Add black pepper and any optional seasonings if using.
- Place thighs skin-side up on a wire rack set over a baking sheet (or directly on the baking sheet). Refrigerate uncovered for 12 to 24 hours.
- Remove chicken from fridge 20 minutes before cooking. Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
- Place chicken thighs skin-side up in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving at least half an inch of space between each. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Cook at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes. Do not flip. Check internal temperature at 15 minutes; target 165°F in the thickest part near the bone (or 170°F for tenderness).
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
Dry brine for at least 6 hours, but 24 hours yields the crispiest skin. Do not add oil to the skin; the rendered fat provides enough crisping. Avoid overcrowding the basket to prevent steaming. Let chicken rest on a wire rack to keep skin crispy. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh (abo
- Calories: 280
- Sodium: 520
- Fat: 19
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Protein: 24
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