Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Name: Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 portions
Ingredients: 6 pcs chicken thighs; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 teaspoons sweet paprika; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 3 cloves garlic; 1 tablespoon dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 teaspoon thyme; salt; ground pepper

Jakub SýkoraFriedCzech Cuisine x se líbilo

The skin shrinks into a brittle crust in the air fryer, while the meat near the bone stays juicy and tender. A simple paste of olive oil, sweet and smoked paprika, garlic, and a spoonful of honey coats the chicken thighs and caramelizes into a glossy crust in the hot air. The air fryer handles them in twenty-five minutes, with no burnt oil in the kitchen. Serve them straight from the basket while the skin still crackles, with roasted potatoes or a fresh salad.

Příprava: 15min

Vaření: 25min

CELKOVÝ ČAS: 40min

Step by step process

Prep and marinate

1
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Dry skin sears better in the air fryer and caramelizes into a golden, crispy crust.
TIP:
Carefully dry the poultry with paper towels both inside and outside. Moisture prevents golden browning and crispy skin, so dry it just before baking.
2
In a bowl, mix the olive oil, both paprikas, pressed garlic, mustard, honey, and thyme. Rub everything into a smooth, glossy paste. Season it with salt and pepper to taste.
3
Work the marinade thoroughly into the meat on all sides. Slide your fingers under the skin too, so the spices reach the meat directly and the thighs take on color and flavor. Let them rest for 10 minutes at room temperature.

Air frying

4
Preheat the air fryer to 190 °C. Place the meat in the basket skin side up so the pieces do not touch and hot air flows around them. Cook for 15 minutes.
5
Turn them with tongs and cook for another 8 to 10 minutes. They are done when the skin turns golden and crispy and the juices near the bone run clear.
6
Let the cooked meat rest for 3 minutes so the juices settle. Serve it hot straight from the air fryer, while the skin still crackles.