Description
Succulent air fryer chicken thighs deliver juicy, perfectly seasoned protein with minimal effort. Crispy exterior and tender meat make this quick dinner recipe a weeknight champion for hungry families craving delicious, hassle-free meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 5–6 boneless and skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of extra fat
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Garnish and Serving:
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1–2 lemons
Instructions
- Thoroughly clean and pat the boneless and skinless chicken thighs completely dry using clean paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a small mixing bowl, meticulously blend all dry seasonings to create a uniform spice mixture that will enhance the chicken’s flavor profile.
- Carefully massage the seasoning blend onto both surfaces of each chicken thigh, ensuring complete and even coverage by gently pressing the spices into the meat’s texture.
- Prepare the air fryer basket by lightly misting with non-stick olive oil spray to prevent potential sticking and promote even cooking.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C), creating an optimal cooking environment for the chicken thighs.
- Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs inside the air fryer basket with the smooth side facing downward, maintaining sufficient space between pieces to allow proper air circulation.
- Cook the chicken thighs for 10 minutes, allowing the initial side to develop a golden, crispy exterior.
- Carefully flip each chicken thigh using tongs to ensure even cooking and continued browning.
- Continue air frying for an additional 4-5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F (74°C), confirming the chicken is fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for 2-3 minutes to redistribute internal juices.
- Garnish with freshly squeezed lemon juice and finely chopped parsley to enhance the dish’s freshness and presentation.
- Serve immediately while the chicken remains hot and crispy.
Notes
- Marinate chicken thighs for extra flavor by letting them sit in the seasoning mixture for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is perfectly cooked and safe to eat.
- Space chicken thighs evenly in the air fryer basket to allow hot air circulation for crispy, evenly cooked results.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help spices stick better and achieve a more crisp exterior.
- Experiment with different herb and spice combinations to customize the flavor profile of your chicken thighs.
- Let chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to help retain moisture and redistribute juices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 130mg