Description
This Air Fryer Chicken Thighs recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken with crispy skin in just 30 minutes. Coated with a simple yet vibrant spice blend of paprika, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper, these chicken thighs are air fried to perfection and served with fresh lemon wedges and optional herbs for a delicious and easy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Spice Mix
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- ½ tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Main Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 to 2 ½ pounds)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Season Chicken: In a bowl, combine paprika, smoked paprika, kosher salt, garlic powder, and ground black pepper. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure a crisp skin, then toss them thoroughly with the spice mixture and olive oil to coat evenly.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat. This ensures the chicken will cook evenly and the skin will get crispy.
- Air Fry Chicken: Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, placing them skin-side down initially. Make sure the pieces do not touch to allow hot air to circulate properly; cook in batches if needed. Air fry for 16 to 22 minutes total, flipping the thighs halfway through cooking to crisp both sides. Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken to check for doneness; it should reach 155°F (68°C) before resting.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes. During this time, the internal temperature will rise to a safe 165°F (74°C). Serve hot with lemon wedges and optionally garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for added brightness and color.
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry before seasoning helps achieve crispy skin.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispness.
- Resting the chicken after cooking allows juices to redistribute and the temperature to reach a safe level.
- Cooking times can vary depending on the size of the chicken thighs and your specific air fryer model.
- You can adjust the spice mix to your preference by adding cayenne for heat or herbs for additional flavor.
