Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potato Wedges: Golden, Crispy & Juicy at Home
Chicken and sweet potatoes been hittin’ different ever since I started air fryin’ ’em together. The flavor combo is straight up fire and, for real, it comes out crispy on the outside, juicy in the middle, and mad easy. I stay comin’ back to this meal ’cause it’s hearty, sweet, and feels like it should take all day. The air fryer makes it quick and simple. No need for fancy tricks. Plus, cleanup is a breeze.
Ever since I went in with this recipe, even my pickiest people be askin’ for seconds. Whether you got some folks comin’ over, or just tryna eat good on a weeknight, this meal always delivers. And guess what? With how easy and cost-friendly it is, you’ll never want to go back to takeout or frozen dinners again. If you’re new to cooking, this is the kind of all-in-one meal that gets you hooked, and if you’re experienced, you’ll love how you can mix in some variety with different seasonings or sides.
Why These Chicken Thighs & Sweet Potato Wedges Hit Every Time
- All the crispy vibes, none of the greasy mess. The air fryer gives you that crunch, and you can do other things while it cooks. No standing over a skillet full of oil.
- Sweet potato wedges on the side? Way better than those frozen fries. The edges get all caramelized, and the seasoning makes the flavor pop.
- Dinner on the table quick. Both parts go in together. While the chicken gets golden, those sweet potatoes are getting perfect too.
- Just a handful of simple ingredients. If you got basic spices and a little oil, you’re good to go.
- Leftovers hold up. Toss the extras back in the air fryer for a minute and they come out just as fire as the first go round.
- Good for meal prep. Make extra and pack some up for lunch—you’ll be the envy of your office or school lunch spot.
What You’ll Need
This here is a pantry-friendly dinner. Here’s what to grab:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, split
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (if you like a little heat)
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for a splash of color at the end
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potato Wedges
1. Preppin’ and Slicin’
First up, pat those chicken thighs dry with some paper towel. That helps the skin get extra crispy every time. Peel your sweet potatoes if you want, or leave the skin for more fiber and texture, then slice ’em into thick wedges about half an inch wide. If they’re too skinny, they might burn before the chicken is cooked through.
2. Season Up
Put the chicken in a bowl. Pour over about half the oil and toss with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, black pepper, and a touch of cayenne if you like. Make sure it’s all coated, especially under the skin so that flavor really comes through.
Toss the sweet potato wedges with the rest of the oil, a little salt, and a sprinkle of paprika or black pepper if that’s your vibe. Feel free to get creative—a little chili powder or cumin can add a fun kick.
3. Air Fryin’
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat setting, just run it empty for three minutes. Lay the chicken thighs skin side up in the basket. Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer around them or under, if your basket lets you store things beneath the grate. Try not to crowd; you want enough air flow for everything to get crispy instead of soggy.
Cook for 13-15 minutes, flip the sweet potatoes, and go another 10-13 minutes. Chicken should hit 175°F with a thermometer, and the skin should be poppin’. The sweet potatoes will be tender with roasted, caramelized edges.
4. Rest & Serve
Let the chicken sit five minutes to let the juices settle. That keeps it juicy, not dry. Top everything with a sprinkle of parsley if you have some. Serve it up with the sweet potato wedges and enjoy a meal worth celebrating any night of the week.
Switch It Up: Tips & Variations
- Try skinless chicken if you want; just cut a few minutes off the cooking time since they’ll cook faster with no skin.
- Hate peeling sweet potatoes? Scrub ’em, slice, and leave the skin on for less work and extra flavor.
- Switch up your seasonings: lemon pepper, jerk, or even just plain salt and pepper if you like it simple.
- Double batch it by doing two rounds. Chicken and sweet potatoes keep well in the fridge and both reheat quick in the air fryer.
- If your air fryer is small, cook the chicken and potatoes in batches so nothing dries out or gets soggy—quality over speed.
- Like sauces? Mix up a quick dip with some yogurt, lemon, and garlic, or keep it classic with ranch or hot honey on the side.
- Looking for more greens? Throw in some broccoli or green beans for the last 8-10 minutes of cooking. They crisp up fast and add color and crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use boneless thighs or chicken breast?
Yup, boneless thighs cook a little faster, usually around 16-18 minutes total. Chicken breast works too, but you gotta watch so it doesn’t dry out. Aim for around 160°F and let it rest a bit once it’s done.
Q: How should I store leftovers?
Just pop them in a sealed container in the fridge. Chicken stays good for about three days, sweet potatoes too. Want the skin crispy again? Hit leftovers in the air fryer for five minutes at 350°F and you’re set.
Q: Can I make this meal without oil?
You can skip the oil, but the skin and wedges won’t crisp up as much. Even a quick spray or brushing goes a long way without adding much fat, while still giving everything that next-level cool finish.
Share How Yours Turned Out!
Give this combo a shot and see for yourself how your air fryer can totally take up your weeknight dinner game. Whether it’s game night, Sunday dinner, or just a regular old Tuesday, this meal brings flavor and fun every time. If you make it, I want to hear about your spin—did you switch things up with the spices, change out the sides, or come up with a new dip? Drop a comment or share your own remix ideas for these air fryer chicken thighs and wedges. Eat up; this one always hits the spot!
