Description
Achieve flavorful, restaurant-quality chicken thighs with a golden crust and juicy interior using your air fryer. This easy recipe requires minimal oil and delivers bold smoky-garlic flavor in 35 minutes.
Ingredients
4 pieces (bone-in, skin-on) Chicken Thighs
1 tbsp Paprika
1 tsp Garlic Powder
2 tbsp Olive Oil
1 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Black Pepper
Avocado Oil (optional, for higher smoke point)
Cayenne Pepper (optional, for heat)
Instructions
Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels
In a bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and oil. Coat thighs evenly
Let marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes or refrigerate up to 24 hours
Preheat air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes
Place thighs skin-side up in the basket, avoiding overcrowding
Cook for 12 minutes, rotating halfway
Flip thighs and cook an additional 7-10 minutes until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F
Rest for 5 minutes before serving
Notes
Use bone-in thighs for better flavor and tenderness
Avoid stacking thighs to ensure even crisping
Brush excess oil on thighs before air frying for extra crunch
Smoked paprika enhances depth of flavor
Substitute fresh minced garlic for garlic powder if desired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg