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Air fryer chicken thighs with paprika seasoning and lemon served on a plate

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Paprika and Lemon Seasoning

Air fryer chicken thighs are a quick, flavorful dinner with juicy meat and a lightly crisp, paprika-seasoned exterior. This easy air fryer chicken thighs recipe is perfect when you want a simple weeknight meal with bold flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 13 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 94
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.25 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • freshly ground black pepper, as needed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • squeeze of lemon to finish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Trim any larger pieces of excess fat from the edges of the chicken thighs if desired.
  2. Combine the chicken thighs with the paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and olive oil until evenly coated.
  3. For deeper flavor, cover and refrigerate the seasoned chicken for 15 minutes to 2-3 hours before cooking.
Cooking
  1. Place the chicken thighs directly in the air fryer basket and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 11-13 minutes.
  2. Check that the chicken reaches at least 165°F (74°C) internally with a meat thermometer before serving.
Serving
  1. Move the chicken to a cutting board and allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing.
  2. Finish with a squeeze of lemon and serve with your preferred sauce or side dish.

Notes

Smoky Paprika Aioli: Whisk 1/2 cup mayo, 1/4 cup yogurt, 1 clove freshly grated garlic, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 2 tablespoons water, and 1/4 teaspoon salt (more to taste). Oven Method: Place an oven rack in the top third of the oven and arrange the chicken on a quarter sheet pan, optionally lined with foil for easier cleanup. Bake at 425°F (218°C) for 15 minutes, then broil on low for 3-5 more minutes until browned. Spice Coverage: Chicken packages can vary in size, so larger amounts of chicken or a preference for stronger seasoning may require a few extra shakes of spices. Preheating: I do not preheat the air fryer; place the chicken in the basket, turn it on, and check doneness with a meat thermometer. Lining the Basket: I do not line the air fryer basket and place the chicken directly on the grill grate. Flipping: I do not flip the chicken because I prefer the texture with the top crisped and the underside juicy. For more even browning, cook for 8-9 minutes, flip, and continue cooking for another 5 minutes.