Spoon Simple
Spicy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Smoked Paprika
Get incredibly juicy and tender chicken thighs with a perfectly crisp, smoky, and slightly spicy skin. This easy air fryer recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
Prep 15 min
Cook 20 min
Total 35 min
Serves 4
Ingredients
Step 1 — For the Chicken
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Step 2 — For Serving (Optional)
- Chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- 1
Preheat Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
- 2
Prepare Chicken
Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. This is key for crispy skin. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- 3
Coat Chicken
Add the dried chicken thighs to the bowl with the spice mixture. Toss well to ensure each thigh is evenly coated.
- 4
Air Fry Chicken
Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if necessary. Cook for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- 5
Serve
Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro and lime wedges if desired. Excellent with rice, roasted potatoes, or a side salad.
Nutrition per serving: 420 cal · 38g protein · 5g carbs · 26g fat · 2g fiber
For informational purposes only. Not medical or dietary advice. Verify ingredients for allergens, cooking times, and safe internal temperatures before serving.
