Description
Crispy and flavorful air fryer chicken thighs with a perfectly seasoned crispy skin. Quick to prepare and cook, this recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken with a delicious blend of paprika, garlic, and Italian seasonings, ideal for an easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 – 2 pounds)
Seasoning Mix
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer for 5 minutes to ensure it reaches the ideal cooking temperature for crispy and even cooking.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Place them in a bowl, add the olive oil, and toss well to coat all pieces evenly, which helps the seasoning stick and promotes crispy skin.
- Apply the Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Evenly sprinkle this seasoning blend over the chicken thighs, then rub it in thoroughly to adhere the flavors well to the meat and skin.
- Cook the Chicken: Arrange the chicken thighs in the hot air fryer basket skin side up. Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 10 minutes. Flip the thighs over and air fry for an additional 8 minutes at the same temperature. Flip once more and increase the temperature to 400°F (204°C), cooking for a final 2 minutes to crisp the skin perfectly. Serve hot immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry before oiling helps achieve a crispier skin.
- Adjust salt and spices according to your taste preference.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model; check internal temperature to ensure chicken reaches 165°F.
- You can swap Italian seasoning with your favorite dried herbs like thyme or rosemary.
- Let the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking to retain juices.
