Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Paprika and Herbs Recipe
Introduction
Air fryer chicken thighs are a quick and delicious way to enjoy crispy, flavorful poultry with minimal effort. This recipe uses a simple spice blend to enhance the natural taste while keeping the skin perfectly crisp. It’s perfect for an easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp mixed herbs
- ½ tsp garlic granules (optional)
- 4 chicken thighs, bone in
- 1 tsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine the paprika, mixed herbs, garlic granules (if using), salt, and ground black pepper. Scatter the mixture onto a plate.
- Step 2: Rub the chicken thighs with olive oil, then coat them evenly in the spice mix on the plate.
- Step 3: Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket.
- Step 4: Cook for 10 minutes, then turn the thighs over and cook for another 10-15 minutes until cooked through and the skin is crispy.
- Step 5: Check doneness by piercing the thickest part of a thigh to see if the juices run clear. Remove immediately to keep the skin crisp.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the spice mix and oil for a few hours before cooking.
- Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder for a smoky or spicy twist.
- Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
Storage
Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to help maintain crispy skin, avoiding the microwave which can make it soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?
Yes, boneless thighs will cook faster, so reduce the cooking time and check for doneness earlier to avoid drying them out.
What temperature should I set my air fryer?
A temperature of 180°C (350°F) is ideal for cooking chicken thighs to ensure they cook evenly and the skin crisps up nicely.
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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Paprika and Herbs Recipe
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This recipe for air fryer chicken thighs delivers juicy, flavorful meat with irresistibly crispy skin. A simple spice rub featuring paprika, mixed herbs, and garlic granules seasoning the bone-in chicken thighs, which are then cooked effortlessly in an air fryer. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or anytime you want delicious, healthy poultry with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
Spice Mix
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp mixed herbs
- ½ tsp garlic granules (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
Chicken
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs
- 1 tsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine the paprika, mixed herbs, garlic granules (if using), salt, and ground black pepper. Mix well to create a uniform spice blend.
- Season the Chicken Thighs: Rub each chicken thigh evenly with the olive oil. Then, coat the thighs thoroughly in the prepared spice rub by scattering the mixture on a plate and pressing the chicken onto it to cover all sides.
- Initial Cooking – Skin Side Down: Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down into the basket of your air fryer. Cook at the air fryer’s recommended temperature (commonly around 180°C or 360°F) for 10 minutes. This helps render the fat and begin crisping the skin.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: After 10 minutes, turn the chicken thighs over so they are skin-side up, then continue cooking the chicken for 10 to 15 more minutes until the meat is cooked through and the skin is crispy.
- Check for Doneness: To ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked, pierce the thickest part of a thigh with a knife or skewer; the juices should run clear with no traces of pink.
- Serve Immediately: Remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer immediately after cooking to prevent the skin from softening. Serve hot for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time based on the size and thickness of the thighs to ensure thorough cooking.
- If you don’t have mixed herbs, a combination of dried thyme, oregano, and rosemary works well.
- For extra crispy skin, you may pat the chicken dry with paper towels before oiling and seasoning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated, but skin crispiness may reduce.
- Using bone-in thighs helps keep the meat tender and juicy during cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken thighs, easy chicken recipe, healthy chicken, weeknight dinner
