🔥 Craving crispy chicken without the guilt? Try these Air Fryer Chicken Thighs – No Oil Needed!
If you love crispy chicken but want to skip the grease, this recipe is about to become your best friend. These air fryer chicken thighs with no oil are golden on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with flavor — all without a single drop of oil.
Whether you're watching your calories, reducing fat intake, or just experimenting with your air fryer, this easy and healthy recipe will surprise you with how delicious and crispy it turns out. Let's dig in!
🛒 Ingredients:
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4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
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Cooking spray (optional for the air fryer basket only, not on food)
👩🍳 Instructions:
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Prep the Chicken:
Pat the chicken thighs dry using paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps them crisp up better. -
Season Generously:
In a small bowl, mix all the spices. Rub the seasoning blend evenly onto both sides of each chicken thigh. -
Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. -
Cook the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the basket. Cook for 12 minutes, then flip them and cook another 10-12 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Internal temp should be at least 165°F (74°C). -
Rest & Serve:
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep the juices in.
🌿 Why This Recipe Works Without Oil:
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Skin-on chicken thighs naturally contain enough fat to become crispy without added oil.
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The hot circulating air in the air fryer mimics deep-frying, giving you that irresistible crunch.
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Smart spice blend enhances flavor without relying on fat.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions:
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Pair with roasted veggies or a fresh salad
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Serve over rice or quinoa
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Add a dash of hot sauce or honey mustard for extra flair
✅ Tips & Variations:
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Use boneless thighs if you prefer faster cooking (reduce time by 5 minutes).
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For spicier flavor, add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning.
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Want extra crisp? Air fry for 2 more minutes at the end on max heat.
🧼 Cleanup Tip:
Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup, especially when cooking meat.
Final Thoughts
These air fryer chicken thighs (no oil) are proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be bland or boring. Crispy, juicy, and full of spice — it’s a dinner you'll want to make on repeat. And the best part? No greasy cleanup and no guilt.
Looking for more air fryer magic? Bookmark our blog and stay tuned for more oil-free, fuss-free recipes!
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