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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs: Easy Fall Dinner

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These crispy air fryer chicken thighs are a quick and easy fall dinner that delivers shatteringly crisp skin and juicy meat in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and a secret technique for unbeatable crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs / 900g)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder (aluminum-free)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or ¾ teaspoon fine table salt)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels. Let them sit on a plate for 5 minutes to air-dry.
  2. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  3. In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, baking powder, salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
  4. Place the dry thighs in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the top and toss again, using your hands to ensure even coverage.
  5. Arrange the thighs skin-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if needed.
  6. Cook at 380°F (193°C) for 12 minutes. Do not open the basket.
  7. Using tongs, flip the thighs so the skin side is up. Cook for another 8-10 minutes at 380°F (193°C).
  8. Check for doneness: internal temperature should reach 175°F (80°C) for thighs. If using a thermometer, pierce the thickest part; juices should run clear.
  9. Let the thighs rest on a wire rack or plate for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pat the chicken bone-dry for maximum crispiness. Use aluminum-free baking powder to avoid a metallic taste. For best results, cook in a single layer and don’t skip the preheat. If your air fryer runs hot, check at 18 minutes. Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for 3-4 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy air fryer chicken thighs, easy fall dinner, quick chicken recipe, air fryer chicken, crispy chicken skin, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://oracooks.com/crispy-air-fryer-chicken-thighs-easy-fall-dinner/