Description
This Air Fryer Chicken Thighs recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken with crispy skin in just 25 minutes. Seasoned with a smoky paprika blend and cooked in the air fryer, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal that doesn’t skimp on taste or texture. Serve with lemon wedges and fresh herbs for a bright, fresh finish.
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
- Prepare the Spice Rub: In a bowl, mix together paprika, smoked paprika, kosher salt, garlic powder, and black pepper to create the seasoning blend. This mixture will give the chicken a smoky, savory flavor with a hint of garlic.
- Coat the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy skin. Toss them in the spice mixture along with the olive oil until they are evenly coated on all sides.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat. This high temperature helps in achieving that crispy skin while keeping the meat juicy inside.
- Arrange and Cook: Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch to allow proper air circulation. If necessary, cook in batches. Air fry for 16-22 minutes, flipping the chicken over halfway through cooking to promote even crisping and cooking. Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the thickest part of the chicken reaches 155°F (68°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes. The internal temperature will rise to the safe 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked. Serve the thighs hot with lemon wedges and sprinkle with chopped parsley or cilantro if desired for freshness and color.
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry before seasoning is essential for crispy skin.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed to ensure even cooking.
- Allow chicken to rest after cooking to retain juiciness and reach safe temperature.
- You can adjust the seasoning to taste by adding cayenne pepper for heat or additional herbs for flavor.
