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Ranch Crusted Air Fried Chicken Thighs

These ranch crusted air fried chicken thighs are incredibly juicy on the inside with a crispy, flavourful coating. Ready in less than 30 minutes, these are a quick and easy dinner perfect any night of the week.

Ranch crusted air fried chicken thighs on a white plate with mashed potatoes

If you haven’t tried chicken thighs cooked in the air fryer you’ve been missing out.

Chicken thighs cooked in the air fryer are tender and juicy on the inside and on the outside they are perfectly golden and crispy.

The best part about cooking them in the air fryer is that they are ready in less than 30 minutes, which is far less time than they take in the oven.

There are so many ways to flavour chicken thighs, but one of my favourites is by simply coating them in ranch dressing mix.

The ranch dressing is garlicky and herby and matches perfectly with the richer flavour of the dark meat.

You can use packaged ranch dressing mix if you like, but I strongly suggest making your own. It is easy to do and has a much better flavour than store bought, not to mention it is far lower in sodium.

If you are willing to give it a try, then I have the perfect recipe for you with this buttermilk ranch dressing mix.

How to make ranch crusted air fried chicken thighs

These chicken thighs are so easy to make. There are only a few steps and only 2 ingredients involved.

  • Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl
  • Sprinkle with ranch dressing mix and toss to coat
  • Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket and lightly spray with cooking oil
  • Turn the air fryer to 380 degrees and set for 23 minutes
  • Half way through the cooking time flip the thighs over
  • When the cook time is complete, remove from the air fryer and serve
Preparation for air fried chicken thighs.  Chicken in a bowl coated with ranch mix.  Chicken in an air fryer basket.  Cooked chicken on a platter

What should I serve with chicken thighs?

There are so many side dishes that go well with chicken thighs.

Often I like to keep things simple and just serve them with some mashed potatoes or a salad.

Other sides that go great with these ranch crusted chicken thighs and keep the entire meal under 30 minutes to prepare are:

Creamy mushroom and bacon gnocchi
Classic stovetop Mac and Cheese
Sweet potato waffles with maple chipotle syrup
Air fryer potato wedges
Lemon ricotta pasta

Crispy air fried chicken thighs on a white platter

Things to know & helpful tips

  • Can I use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead? You definitely can do this if you like. They won’t have that delicious crispiness, but they will still be flavourful. I suggest reducing the cooking time to about 18 minutes, then test for doneness. If they are not quite ready, add another couple minutes.
  • Can I substitute chicken drumsticks for chicken thighs? Definitely! Increase cook time to 25 minutes.
  • If I don’t have an air fryer can I bake these instead? Yes, they can easily be baked in the oven. Place in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees for about 40 minutes.
Ranch chicken thighs on top of mashed potatoes on a white plate.

Other recipes you might like

Air fryer buffalo chicken drumsticks

Easy boneless chicken bites

Air fryer blueberry turnovers

Air fried garlic parmesan chicken wings

And if you still need more recipes, check out these great dinner ideas!

Ranch Crusted Air Fried Chicken Thighs

4.68 from 25 votes
Print Pin Save Recipe Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 23 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 526kcal
Author: Deanna

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place chicken thighs in a large bowl and sprinkle with ranch dressing mix.
  • Toss to coat and then place chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  • Lightly spray the top of the chicken thighs with olive oil spray. If you don't have an oil sprayer, you can add 1/2 Tbsp of oil to the bottom of the air fryer basket.
  • Set air fryer to 380 degrees for 23 minutes.
  • Half way through cooking time, open the air fryer and flip the thighs.
  • When cooking time is complete, remove the chicken from the air fryer and serve.

Nutrition

Estimated Nutrition Facts
Ranch Crusted Air Fried Chicken Thighs
Amount per Serving
Calories
526
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
38
g
58
%
Saturated Fat
 
10
g
63
%
Sodium
 
1018
mg
44
%
Carbohydrates
 
7
g
2
%
Protein
 
37
g
74
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.

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12 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Very easy to and extra tasty! Have made it twice in the last couple of weeks. Both my husband and I were at the point where we didn’t like chicken any more but LOVE this recipe!
    Definitely a keeper!

    1. I’ve never used a Ninja Foodie, but upon doing some research I believe Air Crisp is the air fryer setting and would be the one you want to use. You definitely don’t want the pressure cook setting.

  2. 5 stars
    The chicken was so delicious and juicy! Will definitely make this recipe again. Yvonne A.

  3. 5 stars
    I just received an air fryer, and was so excited to give this recipe a try. It did not disappoint – the chicken was superb and so full of flavour!

4.68 from 25 votes (20 ratings without comment)

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