Crispy Air Fryer Paprika Chicken Thighs
Dinner can be loud and messy with three teens, but these crispy air fryer chicken thighs are my secret weapon. Juicy inside, crunchy outside, smells like heaven. This is one of those chicken thighs air fryer recipes that taste like a win even when the house is chaos. Quick, easy, and picky-kid approved.
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in chicken thighs with skin
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons smoked or sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- pinch cayenne if you want a lil kick
Instructions
Step 1: Dry Them Off
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Helps skin get that crispy dream.
Step 2: Mix And Rub
- Stir olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper in bowl. Rub all over chicken. Under skin too if you can.
Step 3: Preheat And Place
- Heat air fryer 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 min. Lay thighs skin side down in single layer. No stacking.
Step 4: Cook And Flip
- Air fry 12 min. Flip. Cook 10–12 min more until crispy and 165°F inside.
Step 5: Rest Then Eat
- Let sit 5 min. Then serve with fries, salad or whatever keeps the kids from arguing.
Notes
Tips
- Dry skin = crispy skin. Do not skip.
- Use air fryer oven recipes style or basket, both work.
- Check temp with a meat thermometer if unsure.
- For extra flavor, marinate 30 min or overnight if you have time.
Variations
- BBQ Twist: Swap paprika for BBQ rub.
- Lemon Herb: Add lemon zest + parsley to seasoning.
- Spicy Teen Dare: Extra cayenne or chili powder if your teens want heat.
- Boneless Swap: Use boneless thighs but cut cook time a few min shorter.