Description
Crispy and flavorful air fryer chicken thighs seasoned with a blend of smoked and regular paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This easy recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken with minimal effort and a perfect crispy skin, ready in just about 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Seasoning 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
- Prepare the seasoning and chicken: In a bowl, combine the paprika, smoked paprika, kosher salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crisp skin. Toss the chicken thighs in the spice mixture and then drizzle and rub with olive oil until fully coated.
- Preheat and air fry the chicken: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch each other. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Cook for 16 to 22 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time to promote even crispiness. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should reach 155°F (68°C).
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes. During this resting period, the chicken’s internal temperature will rise to a safe 165°F (74°C). Serve immediately with lemon wedges and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.
Notes
- Make sure to pat the chicken thighs dry before seasoning to get crispy skin.
- Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the chicken thighs and your air fryer model; always use a meat thermometer for best results.
- If your air fryer basket is small, cook the chicken thighs in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
- For a smoky flavor, ensure balanced use of both smoked and regular paprika in the seasoning blend.
- Letting the chicken rest after cooking helps retain juices and ensures optimal tenderness.
