Description
Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Chicken Thighs seasoned with a smoky paprika blend, cooked to juicy perfection in just 30 minutes using an air fryer. This easy recipe delivers a golden, crispy skin and tender meat, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal any day.
Ingredients
Scale
Spice Mix
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- ½ tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Chicken
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 to 2 ½ pounds)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
To Serve
- 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 black pepper to create the spice mixture. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure the skin crisps well during cooking.
- Coat Chicken: Toss the dried chicken thighs with the spice mixture and olive oil until evenly coated on all sides, ensuring full flavor and a nice crust when air fried.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Heat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for cooking. This step ensures the chicken begins cooking immediately when placed inside, helping to achieve a crispy skin.
- Arrange and Cook: Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they do not touch so air can circulate properly; cook in batches if necessary. Air fry for 16 to 22 minutes, flipping the thighs halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 155°F (68°C).
- Rest Chicken: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes. During resting, the internal temperature will rise to a safe 165°F (74°C), and the juices will redistribute, keeping the meat juicy and tender.
- Serve: Serve the chicken thighs hot with lemon wedges and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro if desired for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken skin is completely dry before seasoning to achieve maximum crispiness.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to allow proper air circulation for even cooking.
- Adjust cooking time depending on the size of the chicken thighs; larger pieces may require extra minutes.
- Letting the chicken rest after cooking is key for juicy meat and safe internal temperature.
- Optional fresh herbs add a bright flavor and colorful presentation but can be omitted.
