Description
Crispy and flavorful air fryer chicken thighs seasoned with a simple blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This quick and easy recipe delivers juicy chicken with perfectly crisp skin, making it a delicious weeknight dinner option.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Thighs
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika (smoked or regular)
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Optional Garnish
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or thyme)
- Lemon wedges for squeezing
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken Thighs: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Rub olive oil evenly over all sides of the chicken thighs to help the seasoning adhere and promote browning.
- Season: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture generously over both sides of the chicken thighs, ensuring even coverage.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes to ensure a hot cooking environment that helps crisp the skin.
- Air Fry: Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, placing them skin-side down initially. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 18 to 25 minutes, flipping the thighs halfway through the cooking time. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (75°C).
- Crisp the Skin: For extra crispy skin, flip the chicken thighs skin-side up during the last 5 minutes of cooking or increase the temperature to 425°F (220°C) for the final few minutes. This step ensures a deeply golden and crunchy exterior.
- Serve: Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors before serving.
Notes
- For boneless thighs, reduce the cook time to 15-20 minutes as they cook faster than bone-in pieces.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore the crispy skin.
- Using smoked paprika adds a nice depth of flavor, but regular paprika works well too.
- Ensure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow even cooking and air circulation.
