Description
Succulent air fryer chicken thighs deliver crispy, golden perfection with minimal effort. Herb-infused marinades and quick cooking techniques ensure juicy, flavorful results that satisfy home cooks seeking delicious, hassle-free meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 5–6 chicken thighs (boneless and skinless), trimmed of extra fat
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1–2 lemons
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Prep Chicken: Pat boneless and skinless chicken thighs completely dry using paper towels to eliminate excess moisture.
- Create Seasoning Blend: Mix dry seasonings in a small bowl to develop a uniform and aromatic spice combination.
- Season Meat: Massage spice mixture thoroughly onto both sides of chicken thighs, pressing seasonings into the meat’s surface for maximum flavor infusion.
- Prepare Air Fryer: Lightly spray basket with olive oil spray and preheat to 380°F (193°C), ensuring optimal cooking conditions.
- Arrange and Cook: Place seasoned chicken thighs in the basket with smooth side down, maintaining space between pieces for proper air circulation. Cook for 10 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Flip and Finish: Turn chicken thighs using tongs and continue air frying for 4-5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), guaranteeing thorough cooking.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove chicken from air fryer and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and sprinkle of chopped parsley for a vibrant presentation.
- Serve: Present immediately while chicken remains hot and crispy, enjoying the perfectly seasoned and tender meat.
Notes
- Pat Dry Thoroughly: Remove all excess moisture from chicken thighs to achieve perfect crispy exterior and prevent steaming during cooking.
- Spice Coating Technique: Massage seasonings gently into meat, pressing spices firmly to create a deep, even flavor penetration that enhances overall taste profile.
- Air Circulation Strategy: Space chicken thighs apart in air fryer basket to ensure consistent heat distribution and crispy, golden-brown results without overcrowding.
- Temperature Check: Use meat thermometer to verify internal temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing safe consumption and preventing potential foodborne illnesses.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg