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Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe

4.4 from 149 reviews

Crispy and flavorful air fryer chicken thighs seasoned with a blend of paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and a hint of baking powder for extra crispiness. This easy-to-make recipe delivers juicy, tender meat with a perfectly browned skin in under 30 minutes using the air fryer.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Thighs

  • 3 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1 1/4 lbs)

Seasoning Mix

  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tbsp baking powder

Other

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Air Fryer: For best results, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for 5-6 minutes before cooking. This ensures the chicken starts cooking immediately, helping to achieve a crispy exterior.
  2. Prepare the Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, pepper, cumin, salt, and baking powder. The baking powder helps crisp the skin when air fried.
  3. Prepare the Chicken Thighs: Place the chicken thighs on a clean plate and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Coat both sides evenly with olive oil to help the seasoning adhere and promote browning.
  4. Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs. Rub the spices into the skin to ensure an even, flavorful coating.
  5. Cook the Chicken (First Side): Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 400°F (204°C) for 10 minutes to start crisping the skin and cooking the meat.
  6. Flip and Continue Cooking: Carefully turn the chicken thighs over using tongs. Cook for an additional 6-10 minutes until the skin is crispy and browned to your liking.
  7. Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Chicken thighs should reach at least 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. For a more tender and flavorful result, some prefer cooking to 185-195°F (85-90°C).
  8. Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute. Serve hot and enjoy your crispy air fryer chicken thighs!

Notes

  • Patting chicken dry is essential to get crispy skin.
  • Baking powder in the seasoning helps achieve a crispier crust.
  • Adjust cooking time based on the size of your chicken thighs and air fryer model.
  • Always check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safety.
  • Resting chicken after cooking keeps it juicy and tender.

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken thighs, easy air fryer recipe, paprika chicken, baked chicken thighs, healthy chicken recipe