Family-Friendly Chicken Thigh Air Fryer Recipes Everyone Will Love

Air fryers have been increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. They provide an easy and healthy way to cook food that's both delicious and crispy. 

Chicken thighs are a popular choice because they are affordable and can be used in a variety of recipes. In this article, we will be exploring some of the best family friendly Chicken Thigh Air Fryer Recipes that everyone will love.

Table of Contents

1. Why Use Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer Recipes

2. Tips for Cooking Chicken Thighs in an Air Fryer

3. Recipe 1: Classic Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

4. Recipe 2: Air Fryer Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs

5. Recipe 3: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs

6. Recipe 4: Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

7. Recipe 5: Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs

8. Recipe 6: Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Roasted Vegetables

9. Recipe 7: Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potato Wedges

10. Recipe 8: Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Zucchini Fries

11. Recipe 9: Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Garlic Parmesan Asparagus

12. Recipe 10: Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Bacon Wrapped Green Beans

13. Recipe 11: Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Pesto Brussels Sprouts

14. Recipe 12: Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Cauliflower Rice

15. Conclusion

16. Frequently Asked Questions

Why Use Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer Recipes

Chicken thighs are a great choice for air fryer recipes because they are a little more forgiving than chicken breasts. They have a higher fat content, which means they are less likely to dry out during cooking. 

They are also more flavorful and tender than chicken breasts, making them a favorite among many families.

Tips for Cooking Chicken Thighs in an Air Fryer

Here are some tips to help you cook perfect chicken thighs in your air fryer:

1. Preheat the air fryer

It's important to preheat the air fryer before adding the chicken thighs. This will ensure that the air fryer is at the right temperature to cook the chicken evenly.

2. Pat the chicken dry 

Before seasoning and placing the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, make sure to pat them dry with paper towels. This will help to remove any excess moisture on the surface of the chicken, which can interfere with the browning and crisping process.

3. Season well 

Chicken thighs can be seasoned with a variety of spices and herbs to add flavor. Be sure to season both sides of the chicken evenly before placing them in the air fryer basket.

4. Use a cooking spray 

To prevent the chicken from sticking to the basket, it's a good idea to spray it with cooking spray before placing the chicken inside.

5. Check for doneness

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken thighs. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be fully cooked and safe to eat.

6. Let the chicken rest 

After removing the chicken thighs from the air fryer, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the liquids to redistribute throughout the chicken, resulting in a more tender and tasty a meal.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your air fryer chicken thighs turn out crispy, juicy, and delicious every time.

Recipe 1: Classic Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

This classic recipe is a simple and delicious way to cook chicken thighs in an air fryer. You will need the following materials to cook this dish:

Ingredients:

• 4 bone in, skin on chicken thighs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.

2. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper.

3. Season the chicken thighs with the spice mixture, making sure to coat them evenly.

4. Place the skin-side down chicken thighs in the air fryer basket.

5. Cook for 12 minutes.

6. Flip the chicken thighs over and cook for an additional 12 minutes.

7. Serve and enjoy!

Recipe 2: Air Fryer Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs

This recipe is a sweet and tangy twist on classic air fryer chicken thighs. You'll need the following ingredients to prepare this recipe:

Ingredients:

• 4 bone in, skin on chicken thighs
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.

3. Salt and pepper on both ends of the chicken thighs.

4. Brush the honey mustard mixture over the chicken thighs, making sure to coat them evenly.

5. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin-side down.

6. Cook for 12 minutes.

7. Flip the chicken thighs over and brush them with more of the honey mustard mixture.

8. Cook for an additional 12 minutes.

9. Serve and enjoy!

Recipe 3: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs

This recipe is a crowd pleaser and perfect for summer grilling. You will need the following materials to cook this dish:

Ingredients:

• 4 bone in, skin on chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.

2. In a small bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.

3. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Brush the BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken thighs, making sure to coat them evenly.

5. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin-side down.

6. Cook for 12 minutes.

7. Flip the chicken thighs over and brush them with more of the BBQ sauce mixture.

8. Cook for an additional 12 minutes.

9. Serve and enjoy!

Recipe 4: Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

If you're looking for a delicious and easy chicken thigh recipe that's perfect for the air fryer, you'll love these teriyaki chicken thighs. They're sweet, savory, and packed with flavor, making them a great addition to any meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 bone in, skin on chicken thighs
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water
• Sesame seeds and green onions, for garnish

Instructions:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

2. Whisk together the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small bowl.

3. Place the chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag and pour the teriyaki marinade over themCover the bag and shake it to coat the chicken evenly.

4. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes.

5. Flip the chicken thighs and cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy and golden brown.

6. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Pour the slurry into the remaining teriyaki marinade and stir until combined.

7. Brush the chicken thighs with the thickened teriyaki sauce and cook for another 2-3 minutes to caramelize the glaze.

8. Remove the chicken thighs from the oven and set aside for 5 minutes before serving. If preferred, garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Enjoy your delicious air fryer teriyaki chicken thighs!

Recipe 5: Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs

Here's the recipe for Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs:

Ingredients:

• 4 bone in, skin on chicken thighs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, thyme, salt, and pepper.

3. Place chicken thighs in a large bowl or zip-top bag, and pour the marinade over the chicken.

4. Use your hands to massage the marinade into the chicken, making sure each piece is fully coated.

5. Once the air fryer is preheated, place the chicken thighs in the basket, skin side down.

6. Cook for 12 minutes, then flip the chicken over and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) using a meat thermometer.

7. Serve immediately, garnished with additional lemon wedges and fresh herbs if desired.

Enjoy your flavorful and juicy Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs!

Recipe 6: Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Roasted Vegetables

Here's the recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Roasted Vegetables:

Ingredients:

• 4 bone in, skin on chicken thighs
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as carrots, broccoli, and red bell peppers)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cut the vegetables into bite sized pieces and toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.

3. Season both ends of the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.

4. Arrange the chicken and veggies in the air fryer basket in a single layer.

5. Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the chicken and vegetables.

6. Cook for 20 minutes, then flip the chicken over and stir the vegetables.

7. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) using a meat thermometer and the vegetables are tender and lightly browned.

8. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Roasted Vegetables!

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Recipe 7: Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potato Wedges

Here's the recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potato Wedges:

Ingredients:

• 4 bone in, skin on chicken thighs
• 2 large sweet potatoes, cut into wedges
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. Toss sweet potato wedges with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and half of the spice mixture.

4. Season chicken thighs with the remaining spice mixture.

5. Arrange the chicken thighs and sweet potato wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

6. Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the chicken and sweet potatoes.

7. Cook for 20 minutes, then flip the chicken and sweet potatoes over.

8. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) using a meat thermometer and the sweet potatoes are tender and lightly browned.

9. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Enjoy your tasty and nutritious Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potato Wedges!

Recipe 8: Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Zucchini Fries

Here's the recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Zucchini Fries:

Ingredients:

• 4 bone in, skin on chicken thighs
• 2 medium zucchinis, cut into fries
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Toss zucchini fries with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and half of the spice mixture.

4. Season chicken thighs with the remaining spice mixture.

5. Arrange the chicken thighs and zucchini fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer.

6. Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the chicken and zucchini.

7. Cook for 20 minutes, then flip the chicken and zucchini over.

8. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) using a meat thermometer and the zucchini fries are tender and lightly browned.

9. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Zucchini Fries!

Recipe 9: Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Garlic Parmesan Asparagus

Here's the recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Garlic Parmesan Asparagus:

Ingredients:

• 4 bone in, skin on chicken thighs
• 1 bunch asparagus, tough ends trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

2. Combine garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

3. Toss asparagus with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and half of the spice mixture.

4. Season chicken thighs with the remaining spice mixture.

5. Arrange the chicken thighs and asparagus in the air fryer basket in a single layer.

6. Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the chicken and asparagus.

7. Cook for 20 minutes, then flip the chicken and asparagus over.

8. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) using a meat thermometer and the asparagus is tender and lightly browned.

9. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the asparagus and cook for another minute until melted.

10. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Enjoy your mouth watering Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Garlic Parmesan Asparagus!

Recipe 10: Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Bacon Wrapped Green Beans

Here's the recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Bacon Wrapped Green Beans:

Ingredients:

• 4 bone in, skin on chicken thighs
• 1 lb. fresh green beans, trimmed
• 8 slices bacon
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

2. Wrap 2-3 green beans with one slice of bacon and secure with toothpicks.

3. Season chicken thighs with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

4. In a bowl, toss the green bean bundles with olive oil and any remaining seasoning.

5. Arrange chicken thighs and green bean bundles in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

6. Cook for 20 minutes, then flip the chicken and green bean bundles over.

7. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) using a meat thermometer and the bacon is crispy.

8. Remove the toothpicks from the green bean bundles and serve immediately.

Enjoy your delicious Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Bacon Wrapped Green Beans!

Recipe 11: Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Pesto Brussels Sprouts

Here's the recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Pesto Brussels Sprouts:

Ingredients:

• 4 bone in, skin on chicken thighs
• 1 lb. Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 2 tablespoons pesto
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

2. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.

3. In a bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with pesto and olive oil.

4. Arrange chicken thighs and Brussels sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

5. Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) using a meat thermometer and the Brussels sprouts are crispy.

6. Serve immediately.

Enjoy your tasty Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Pesto Brussels Sprouts!

Recipe 12: Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Cauliflower Rice

Here's the recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Cauliflower Rice:

Ingredients:

• 4 bone in, skin on chicken thighs
• 1 head of cauliflower
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

2. Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

3. Cut the cauliflower into florets and pulse in a food processor until it resembles rice.

4. Toss the cauliflower rice with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

5. Arrange chicken thighs and cauliflower rice in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

6. Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) using a meat thermometer and the cauliflower rice is tender and crispy.

7. Serve immediately.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Cauliflower Rice!

Conclusion

Air fryers have revolutionized the way we cook our meals. They are convenient, easy to use, and produce healthier meals compared to traditional frying methods. Chicken thighs are an excellent ingredient to cook in an air fryer due to their high fat content, which makes them juicy and flavorful.

In this article, we have shared 12 family friendly air fryer chicken thigh recipes that are sure to please everyone at the dinner table. From classic fried chicken to more exotic flavors like honey garlic and pesto, there is something for every palate.

Using an air fryer to cook chicken thighs ensures that they are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Plus, it takes less time to cook compared to traditional oven roasting or frying. Moreover, you can experiment with various seasonings and flavors to add your own personal touch to the dishes.

Air fryer chicken thigh recipes are also a great way to incorporate healthy vegetables into your meals. From roasted vegetables to zucchini fries, the possibilities are endless. You can easily create a complete meal by pairing your chicken thighs with a side of healthy vegetables.

Air fryer chicken thighs are a delicious and healthy option for any family meal. These recipes are easy to follow, require minimal prep time, and are perfect for busy weeknights. So why not try one of these recipes tonight and experience the magic of air frying for yourself?

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs for these air fryer recipes?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs for these recipes. Just be aware that boneless thighs may cook faster than bone in thighs, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. Can I use frozen chicken thighs in the air fryer?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs in the air fryer, but you will need to increase the cooking time. It is recommended to thaw the chicken thighs before cooking for the best results.

3. Can I marinate the chicken thighs before cooking in the air fryer?
Yes, marinating the chicken thighs before cooking in the air fryer can add extra flavor to the dish. Just be sure to pat the chicken dry before cooking to ensure crispiness.

4. Can I make a sauce to go with the air fryer chicken thighs?
Yes, you can make a sauce to go with the air fryer chicken thighs. Many of the recipes included in this article have a sauce or glaze included, but feel free to experiment with your own favorite sauces.

5. Can I use a different type of meat in the air fryer instead of chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use a different type of meat in the air fryer instead of chicken thighs. However, the cooking times and temperatures may need to be adjusted based on the type of meat being used.