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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

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A quick and easy recipe for perfectly seasoned, crispy, and juicy chicken thighs cooked in an air fryer. This fuss-free dish delivers bold smoky flavor and crackling skin every time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds / 700 grams)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt (kosher or sea salt preferred)
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for subtle heat)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture (5 minutes).
  2. In a medium bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir well (2 minutes).
  3. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken thighs and rub evenly across the skin and underside. Sprinkle the seasoning mix over each piece and rub it in thoroughly (5 minutes).
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
  5. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket skin-side down, making sure they do not touch. Cook in batches if necessary.
  6. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes. Flip the thighs skin-side up using tongs and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes until the skin is deep golden brown and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) (22 minutes total).
  7. Remove the chicken thighs and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry is crucial for crispy skin. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation. Flip chicken halfway through cooking for even crispiness. Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for best flavor and juiciness. If skin isn’t crispy enough, add 2-3 more minutes carefully. For reheating, use the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. Boneless skin-on thighs can be used but reduce cooking time by 3-5 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, smoked paprika chicken, gluten-free chicken, healthy chicken thighs

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/crispy-air-fryer-chicken-thighs-5-easy-steps-for-perfect-seasoning/