Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe
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.
- Author: liam
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16-20 minutes
- Total Time: 26-30 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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