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Crispy No Breading Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

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These crispy no breading air fryer chicken thighs are the kind of dish that makes you wonder why you ever bothered with complicated methods. From fridge to table in under 30 minutes, with simple ingredients and a secret trick for shatteringly crisp skin.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder (aluminum-free)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or ½ teaspoon table salt)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground preferred)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels, getting into all nooks and crannies. Let them sit on a plate for 5 minutes to air-dry if time allows.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the baking powder, salt, pepper, and any optional spices. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the chicken thighs, coating the skin side well. Rub the seasoning in gently with your hands.
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  4. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin side down, in a single layer with space between each piece. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
  5. Air fry at 380°F for 12 minutes. The skin should start turning golden and crispy.
  6. Using tongs, carefully flip the chicken thighs so the skin side is facing up. Air fry for another 10-12 minutes, until the skin is deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 175°F (80°C) at the thickest part.
  7. Let the chicken rest in the air fryer basket (turned off) for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Notes

Baking powder is non-negotiable for extra crispiness—it raises the skin’s pH for better browning. Make sure it’s aluminum-free to avoid a metallic taste. For even crispier skin, let the seasoned chicken sit uncovered in the fridge for an hour before cooking. If smoke appears during cooking, reduce temperature by 10°F. To reheat leftovers, use the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken thighs, no breading chicken, keto chicken, gluten-free chicken, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner

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