Description
Crispy air fryer chicken thighs seasoned with a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper. This easy-to-make recipe results in juicy, flavorful chicken with perfectly crispy skin, ready in under 30 minutes.
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)
- Fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken Thighs: Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels to dry the skin, which helps it crisp up better during cooking. Rub the olive oil all over the chicken thighs, ensuring even coverage.
- Season: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture generously over both sides of the chicken thighs to evenly coat them.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes to ensure a hot cooking environment for crisp skin.
- Air Fry: Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, skin-side down. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 18-25 minutes, flipping halfway through the cook time. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature has reached 165°F (75°C).
- Crisp the Skin: For extra crispy skin, flip the chicken skin-side up during the last 5 minutes of cooking or increase the temperature to 425°F (220°C) for the final few minutes.
- Serve: Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes after cooking. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice to enhance the flavor before serving.
Notes
- Adjust cook time to 15-20 minutes if using boneless chicken thighs.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer to restore crispiness.
- Patting the chicken dry before oiling is crucial for crispy skin.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is safely cooked to 165°F (75°C).
