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These Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Thighs have crispy skin, juicy meat, and bold, smoky Cajun flavor. The air fryer cooks the bone-in chicken thighs evenly while helping the seasoned skin get browned and crisp.
If you already like my air fryer chicken thighs, this version uses the same easy method with my Cajun seasoning for a smoky, slightly spicy twist. Add a simple vegetable or stovetop side and dinner is done.
Why Make This Recipe
- Crispy skin and juicy chicken: The air fryer helps the skin brown while the bone-in meat stays juicy.
- Bold Cajun flavor: Cajun seasoning gives the chicken smoky, savory, slightly spicy flavor.
- Simple prep: There’s no marinade or long prep. Just coat the chicken with oil and Cajun seasoning before air frying.
Ingredients Needed
- Chicken thighs: Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. Pat them dry before seasoning so the oil and spices coat the chicken well and the skin can crisp.
- Cajun seasoning: I use my homemade Cajun seasoning, which has smoky paprika, garlic, herbs, and a little cayenne. I use the same blend when I make air fryer Cajun shrimp and air fryer Cajun wings. You can also use your favorite store-bought blend.
- Avocado oil: Helps the seasoning stick and encourages browning. Olive oil also works.
How to Make Cajun Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer
Season the chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry, then toss them with the oil and Cajun seasoning until the skin and meat are evenly coated.
Arrange them skin-side down
Place the thighs in the air fryer basket with space between them. Leaving room around each piece helps the hot air circulate so the air-fried chicken thighs can brown and crisp instead of steaming.
Air fry the first side
Cook at 400°F for 11–12 minutes. The chicken will begin to brown and release some of its juices as it cooks.
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Flip and crisp the skin
Turn the thighs skin-side up and cook for another 11–12 minutes. The skin should look browned and crisp when they’re ready.
Check for doneness
Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone. The chicken should reach at least 165°F before serving.
Recipe Tips
- Pat the chicken dry: Removing surface moisture helps the skin brown and crisp.
- Leave room around the thighs: Crowding the basket can trap steam and prevent even browning.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste: Cajun blends vary in heat and saltiness, so adjust the amount based on the blend you’re using.
- Cook to temperature: Chicken thighs vary in size, so use 165°F as the minimum doneness check instead of relying only on the cooking time.
- Give larger thighs extra time: Add a few minutes as needed rather than increasing the air fryer temperature.
What to Serve With Cajun Chicken Thighs
- If you’re using a single-basket air fryer for the chicken, make a stovetop side like sautéed green beans, canned green beans, creamed corn, or creamed spinach while the thighs cook.
- If you have a dual-basket air fryer or air fryer oven, you can cook air fryer broccoli, air fryer green beans, or air fryer eggplant at the same time for an easy vegetable side.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer: Air fry at 375°F until warmed through and the skin is crisp again.
- Avoid overheating: Reheat just until hot so the chicken stays juicy.
FAQs
Yes. Season the boneless, skinless thighs with the same Cajun seasoning and oil, then air fry them at 400°F for about 20–22 minutes, or until they reach 165°F. You don’t need to flip them halfway through. This is the same cooking method I use for my air fryer boneless chicken thighs.
Yes. Cajun seasoning blends vary in salt and heat, so check the label and adjust the amount to your taste. Sometimes, the label gives a recommended amount per pound of meat.
For bone-in, skin-on thighs, yes. Starting skin-side down cooks the chicken through, then flipping skin-side up for the second half helps the skin get browned and crisp.
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Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Thighs
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Recommended Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken Thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, click for recipe
- 2 tbsp Avocado oil, or olive oil
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
- Add the chicken, Cajun seasoning, and oil to a large bowl. Toss until the thighs are evenly coated.
- Arrange the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket skin-side down, leaving space between each piece.
- Air fry at 400°F for 11–12 minutes.
- Flip the chicken skin-side up and cook for another 11–12 minutes, or until the thickest part reaches at least 165°F and the skin is crisp enough for you.
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Recipe Notes
- Chicken size: Thighs vary in size, so use the internal temperature to determine when they’re done.
- Don’t crowd the basket: Leave space between the thighs so hot air can circulate and the skin can crisp.
- Cajun seasoning: If using a store-bought blend, adjust the amount based on how salty or spicy it is.
- Boneless thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs cook faster, so begin checking for doneness sooner.
Nutrition Details
The nutrition facts come from entering the recipe ingredients into a database of food ingredients. They may vary for any recipe based on the exact product used.
Holly says
These turned out incredible and were so simple to make! The skin was crispy and the Cajun flavoring was delicious! We will definitely be adding this recipe to the dinner rotation!
Dr. Davinah's Eats Team says
We’re so happy that you enjoyed this recipe. 🙂