Air Fryer Crispy & Juicy Chicken Thighs

Ingredients

4 chicken thighs, skin-on, bone-in, approximately 2 pounds total
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, or your favorite – see notes
2 teaspoons onion powder
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch

Directions

Preheat the air fryer at 375 degrees F for 2 to 3 minutes or until your chicken is ready to go into the air fryer (whichever is longer). Preheating helps the chicken start cooking immediately for a crispy exterior.

Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. Drying the chicken helps the seasonings adhere better and promotes crispiness. Place the dry chicken in a large bowl.

Combine Cajun seasoning, onion powder, black pepper, and brown sugar in a small bowl. Mix well. A well-mixed rub ensures each bite is flavorful.

Evenly sprinkle the mixture onto the chicken thighs and massage/press the rub into the chicken skin. Rubbing the seasoning in helps it penetrate the meat for more flavor.

Gently sprinkle cornstarch over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Cornstarch aids in creating a crispy texture when air fried.

Place the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Arranging them with space between them ensures even cooking and crispiness on all sides.

Air fry at 375°F for 14 minutes, flipping halfway through with tongs. Flipping ensures even cooking and crispiness on both sides.

Confirm chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees F using a meat thermometer. This is the safe cooking temperature for poultry to ensure it’s fully cooked.