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Air fryer fried chicken thighs with title reading Crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken Thighs Recipe
Good Fork Daily

Crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken Thighs Recipe

Boneless chicken thighs with a crisp, craggy buttermilk and seasoned-flour coating cooked in the air fryer.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 16 minutes
Total Time 36 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 335
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the chicken
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs 680 grams, about 6 medium pieces
  • 3/4 cup cultured buttermilk 180 milliliters
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce optional
  • 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt or 3/4 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
For the seasoned coating
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour 125 grams
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch 32 grams
  • 2 teaspoons smoked or sweet paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
  • neutral oil spray without added flour, as needed

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Instant-read thermometer
  • Two shallow bowls
  • Wire rack
  • Silicone-tipped tongs

Method
 

  1. Pat the thighs dry, trim loose fat and open them flat. Season both sides with kosher salt and black pepper.
  2. Combine the buttermilk and optional hot sauce. Coat the chicken and let it stand for 15 minutes.
  3. Mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, cayenne and fine salt. Rub in 2 tablespoons seasoned buttermilk to form pea-size flakes.
  4. Let excess buttermilk drip away, then press each thigh firmly into the flour mixture until no wet spots show.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F if recommended. Lightly mist the basket and spray the coated chicken until no dry flour remains.
  6. Cook in one layer for 8 minutes. Turn, spray pale spots and cook for 6 to 8 minutes longer, until every thigh reaches 165°F in the thickest part.
  7. Move the chicken to a clean rack and rest for 3 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use boneless, skinless thighs of similar size.
  • Spray every powdery patch so the flour can brown.
  • Cook in batches rather than overcrowding the basket.
  • This recipe was developed through culinary research and editorial review. Air-fryer performance varies, so verify doneness with a thermometer.