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Crispy & Juicy Healthy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Healthy air fryer chicken thighs that are crispy on the outside, incredibly juicy on the inside, and ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect for high-protein meal prep, keto diets, or quick weeknight dinners.
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Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients:
  • 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil spray
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme or oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Instructions:
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This is essential for getting crispy skin.
  3. Lightly coat the chicken with olive oil spray. In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub the spice blend evenly all over the chicken.
  4. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
  5. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin-side down. Cook for 12 minutes.
  6. Flip the chicken thighs over (skin-side up) and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is deeply golden and crispy.
  7. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Notes

Notes:
Don't overcrowd the basket - air needs to circulate to crisp the skin. Cook in batches if necessary.
Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness every time.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness.