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Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Thighs

These Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Thighs are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and full of smoky, flavorful Cajun seasoning. Perfect for busy nights with three hungry teenagers or a quick weeknight dinner that feels special. This recipe works for bone-in or boneless chicken thighs and is easy to customize to your spice preference.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 23 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 4 –6 chicken thighs bone-in or boneless
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 –3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning store-bought or homemade
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder optional for extra flavor
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt to taste
  • Black Pepper
  • Lemon wedges for serving optional

Instructions
 

Step 1: Dry and Prep the Chicken

  • Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps them get crispy in the air fryer.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

  • Rub olive oil all over the chicken. Sprinkle on Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Massage the seasoning into every piece so it is evenly coated.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

  • Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. Preheating helps the chicken skin get golden and crispy.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

  • Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin side down first. Make sure they are not touching too much. Cook for 12 minutes, then flip and cook another 10–12 minutes. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

  • Let the chicken rest for 3–5 minutes before serving. Serve with lemon wedges if desired. Pair with rice, roasted veggies, or tortillas for a full meal.

Notes

Tips

  • Patting chicken dry before seasoning gives the crispiest results.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation.
  • Adjust spice level by adding more or less Cajun seasoning or cayenne.
  • Boneless chicken thighs cook faster than bone-in, so watch the timing.
  • Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 4–5 minutes to get crispy again.

Variations

  • Spicy Version: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the Cajun seasoning for extra heat.
  • Mild Version: Use a mild Cajun seasoning blend for kids or picky eaters.
  • Herb Twist: Add dried oregano or thyme to the seasoning for an herby flavor.
  • Wrap Night: Serve cooked chicken thighs sliced in tortillas with veggies and sauce for quick wraps.