Ingredients
1 tablespoon paprika
½ tablespoon smoked paprika
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 to 2 1/2 pounds) – see notes for boneless option
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Lemon wedges for serving
Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for serving
Instructions To Cook
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This temperature is great for achieving a perfect balance of a crispy exterior while ensuring the chicken cooks through properly.
Prepare the Spice Mix: In a large bowl, mix together the paprika, smoked paprika, kosher salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels (this is key to getting a nice crisp). Then place the chicken in the bowl with the spice mix, drizzle with olive oil, and toss to coat evenly.
Arrange the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin-side up. Just make sure they’re not crowded; and cook in batches if necessary.
Cook the Chicken: Air fry the chicken thighs at 400°F (204°C) for 15 to 22 minutes, flipping them halfway through. If you’re not sure they’re done by eye, then use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C).
Rest the Chicken: After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, covered loosely with foil. This helps the juices redistribute and ensures a moist result.
Serve: Serve the chicken thighs hot with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for added freshness.
Cook With Air-Fried Sweet Potatoes and Green Beans
While chicken thighs are definitely a healthy choice, they’re no good on there own, that’s why I’d recommend cooking them with some carbs and vegetables. So try the following with your chicken thighs:
Ingredients:
- For Sweet Potatoes:
- 1 lb sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For Green Beans:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: garlic powder, crushed red pepper
Instructions:
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
- In a large bowl, toss sweet potato cubes (1/2 an inch in size) with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange the sweet potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook in batches if they don’t fit in one layer.
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes:
- When the chicken thighs have been cooking for about 5 minutes add the sweet potato and cook at 400°F (204°C) for 2-4 minutes.
- Prepare the Green Beans:
- While the sweet potatoes are cooking, toss the green beans with olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional seasonings.
- Add Green Beans:
- After the sweet potatoes have cooked for 2-4 minutes, open the air fryer, add the green beans to the basket with the sweet potatoes, and continue cooking. Shake the basket or toss everything to ensure the green beans are mixed in with the sweet potatoes.
- Finish Cooking:
- Cook the combined sweet potatoes and green beans for an additional 8-10 minutes, shaking or tossing halfway through. The sweet potatoes should be tender and slightly crispy, and the green beans should be crisp-tender.
- Serve:
- Remove everything from the air fryer and serve immediately. Enjoy alongside your air-fried chicken thighs.
How Long Does Each Take To Cook:
Chicken Thighs: 15-22 minutes.
Sweet Potatoes: 12-15 minutes.
Green Beans: 8-10 minutes.
Tips:
- Even Layering: Ensure both the sweet potatoes and green beans are spread out in a single layer as much as possible to achieve the best results.
- Check Doneness: If needed, check for doneness and adjust cooking times based on your air fryer’s performance. Sweet potatoes should be easily pierced with a fork, and green beans should be tender with some crispiness.
- Batch Cooking: If your air fryer isn’t large enough to fit everything in one layer, cook in batches.