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Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.2 from 9 reviews

Crispy and flavorful air fryer chicken thighs cooked to juicy perfection with a blend of smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. This quick and easy recipe yields tender skin-on chicken thighs with a perfectly crisped skin in just 17 minutes.

Ingredients

Chicken Thighs

  • 4 small skin-on chicken thighs

Seasoning and Oil

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the optimal cooking temperature while you prepare the chicken.
  2. Season the chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken thighs with olive oil. Sprinkle the salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and garlic powder over the chicken and mix well until all pieces are evenly coated with the seasoning blend.
  3. Cook the chicken: Arrange the chicken thighs skin side up in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for a total of 12 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness and doneness. The chicken is ready when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  4. Rest before serving: Remove the cooked chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for five minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is juicy and tender.

Notes

  • Using skin-on chicken thighs helps achieve a crispy skin texture in the air fryer.
  • Ensure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket for even cooking and crisping.
  • Flipping the chicken halfway through cooking promotes consistent browning and prevents burning.
  • Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee safe cooking.