Air Fryer Spicy Chicken Thighs
Quick and delicious, these crispy air fryer spicy chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, making them a perfect weeknight dinner option.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (approximately 1.5 pounds) Select thighs with good marbling for maximum flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper Adjust to taste.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 unit Juice of 1 lime For added zest.
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help achieve crispy skin.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, oregano, and chili powder until you achieve a smooth paste.
- Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the marinade.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the marinated chicken thighs skin side up in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer.
Cooking
- Cook the chicken thighs at 400°F (200°C) for about 18-20 minutes, checking for doneness with a meat thermometer; they should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for about 5 minutes.
Serving
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the thighs and serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
Pro tips include choosing quality chicken for maximum flavor, adjusting spices to taste, using a thermometer for perfect cooking, and letting the chicken rest to retain moisture. You can also experiment with spices for variations.