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Spicy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

5 from 14 votes
Get set for a taste sensation with our Spicy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs! Tender, juicy chicken with a crispy twist, all ready in just 20 minutes. Coated in a mix of paprika, garlic, and a hint of spice, these thighs are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Quick, simple, and packed with flavor, it's a delicious dish that's sure to satisfy!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Rest Time 5 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Entree, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 389
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 to 2 1/2 pounds)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Method
 

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 15 to 18 minutes, depending on its size.
  2. In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Pat dry the chicken thighs with paper towels and rub them with olive oil.
  4. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs.
  5. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin-side up, in a single layer.
  6. Air fry for 16 to 22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until an instant-read thermometer inserted at the thickest part of a thigh reaches 155°F.
  7. Let the chicken thighs rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pro Tip: For an extra crispy texture, pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels before rubbing them with olive oil and seasoning. This helps to remove excess moisture from the skin, resulting in a crisper finish.
Variation: Experiment with different spice blends to customize the flavor of your Spicy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs. Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky twist, or swap the cayenne pepper for chipotle powder for a deeper, earthy heat. You can also incorporate herbs like thyme or rosemary for added complexity. Don't be afraid to get creative and tailor the recipe to your taste preferences!