If you’re on the hunt for a straightforward, juicy, and flavorful chicken dish, you’ve got to try this Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with House Seasoning Recipe. Trust me, once you taste these tender thighs with that perfectly crispy skin, you’ll understand why it’s become a family favorite in my kitchen. It’s a quick weeknight winner or a casual dinner party star, and I can’t wait to share all my tips to help you nail it every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Juicy, Crispy Perfection: The air fryer crisps the skin while keeping the meat tender and juicy inside.
- Simple, Flavorful House Seasoning: With just four ingredients, this seasoning is a game-changer and super easy to mix at home.
- Fast and Fuss-Free: From prep to plate in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights or last-minute meals.
- Versatile and Family-Approved: It’s a recipe that I’ve personalized over time but welcomes your own twists and tweaks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with House Seasoning Recipe lies in quality ingredients that bring out all the best flavors. The combination of salt, pepper, garlic, and paprika in the seasoning perfectly complements the natural richness of the chicken thighs. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- Bone-in, Skin-on Chicken Thighs: Choose thighs with a good layer of skin for that signature crispy finish.
- Kosher Salt: The backbone of our seasoning mix—it helps tenderize and enhances flavor.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground if possible, it packs a little heat and lots of aroma.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a lovely depth without overpowering.
- Paprika: This gives a subtle smokiness and a beautiful color to your chicken.
Variations
I love how forgiving this Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with House Seasoning Recipe is, so you can easily make it your own. Over the years, I’ve played around with different spices and cooking tweaks, and I encourage you to do the same—make it yours!
- Spicy Kick: I often add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the house seasoning for a little fiery surprise — perfect for spice lovers.
- Herb Infusion: Try mixing in dried thyme or rosemary if you want an herby aroma that stands out beautifully.
- Boneless Version: If you prefer boneless thighs, cook a bit less time to keep them juicy—around 15 minutes usually does the trick for me.
- Different Protein: I’ve even used this seasoning on air fryer drumsticks or pork chops with great results!
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with House Seasoning Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Chicken Thighs
Start by trimming any excess skin hanging off the chicken thighs—this helps them crisp up nicely and makes eating less messy. Then, sprinkle the house seasoning mix generously on both sides of each thigh. Don’t be shy here; seasoning is key to unlocking that bold flavor!
Step 2: Arrange and Air Fry
Place the chicken thighs skin side down in your air fryer basket in a single layer. Set the temperature to 360°F and cook for 10 minutes. After that, flip the thighs skin side up and cook for another 10 minutes. This two-step process ensures the skin crisps perfectly without drying out the meat.
Step 3: Rest and Finish
Once the timer’s up, take the chicken out and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute, so every bite bursts with flavor. If you like, finish with an extra pinch of salt, some fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon to brighten things up.
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with House Seasoning Recipe
- Trim the Right Amount of Skin: I learned that leaving just a nice layer for crisping is best—too much can cause flare-ups or sogginess.
- Don’t Skip the Resting: It’s tempting to dive right in, but resting lets the internal juices settle so your chicken stays moist.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Always check the internal temp—it should hit 165°F to make sure it’s perfectly cooked and safe.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Arrange thighs in a single layer for even crisping; otherwise, parts might steam instead.
How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with House Seasoning Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a big fan of finishing these chicken thighs with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of green and brightness. A quick squeeze of lemon juice right before serving adds that perfect tang that balances the seasoning. Sometimes I sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top too, just to bring out the crunch and flavor.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with roasted veggies, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad. One of my favorite combos is air fryer green beans with garlic and a side of fluffy rice — the perfect comfort meal without the hassle.
Creative Ways to Present
For special dinners, I like to carve these thighs into bite-sized pieces and serve them on a beautiful platter with lemon wedges and fresh herbs scattered artistically. You could also serve them on top of a bed of herbed couscous or inside warm pita bread with tzatziki for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover air fryer chicken thighs keep super well when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator—usually up to three days for me. I find they stay juicy and flavorful, making for quick, tasty lunches or snacks.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, just make sure the chicken has cooled completely, then wrap tightly or store in a freezer-safe container. I’ve frozen these before and thawed them overnight in the fridge with great results—just like fresh.
Reheating
To bring back that crispy skin, I always reheat leftover chicken thighs in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes. This method crisps the skin beautifully and heats the meat without drying it out, unlike microwaving.
FAQs
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Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with House Seasoning Recipe?
Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time to about 15-20 minutes instead of 20 to prevent drying out. Boneless thighs cook faster and still come out juicy and flavorful with the same seasoning.
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What if I don’t have an air fryer—can I bake this recipe instead?
You sure can! Bake the seasoned chicken thighs at 375°F for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, flipping halfway to crisp the skin. While not quite the same as air frying, you’ll still get a delicious result.
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How do I make the House Seasoning mix ahead of time?
Just combine kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a sealed jar or zip-top bag. It keeps well for weeks, so you’ll always have a quick seasoning blend ready for your chicken or other dishes.
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Can I double or triple this recipe for larger groups?
Yes! Just make sure you cook the chicken in batches if your air fryer basket can’t fit everything at once. Overcrowding can cause uneven cooking.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with House Seasoning Recipe always delivers juicy meat with that irresistible crispy skin. When I first tried it, I was amazed how a simple seasoning mix and an air fryer could elevate everyday chicken thighs into something special. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this recipe is a dependable crowd-pleaser that’s easy to customize and hard to beat. Give it a try—I’m confident you’ll be reaching for this one again and again!
Print
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with House Seasoning Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This Air Fryer Chicken Thighs recipe delivers crispy, juicy chicken with perfectly seasoned skin. Utilizing the air fryer ensures a quick and healthier cooking method that locks in flavor and achieves a golden finish. The signature Southern Soul House Seasoning adds a zesty, savory punch, making these thighs irresistibly delicious for an easy weeknight meal or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Chicken Thighs
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 ½ tablespoons House Seasoning (see below)
Southern Soul House Seasoning Mix
- 8 tablespoons Kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Trim any extra skin from the chicken thighs to avoid excessive fat. Sprinkle both sides generously with the House Seasoning mix to ensure even flavor throughout.
- Air fry the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin side down in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer temperature to 360°F. Cook the chicken on one side for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 10 minutes to promote even cooking and crisp skin.
- Rest the chicken: Remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful meat.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally, garnish the chicken with a pinch of additional salt, fresh chopped parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors before serving.
- Make the House Seasoning Mix: Combine 8 tablespoons kosher salt, 3 tablespoons pepper, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, and 2 teaspoons paprika in a sealed jar or zip-top bag for future use.
Notes
- Always check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- For bone-in chicken thighs with skin on, set the air fryer to 375°F and cook for 20-25 minutes if you prefer a higher cooking temperature; boneless thighs require 15-20 minutes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Reheat leftovers by placing the chicken back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes; this crisps the skin and warms the meat without drying it out.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh (approximately 130g)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 0.3 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
