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Air fryer chicken thighs with paprika and oregano seasoning plated with a golden crisp exterior

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Paprika and Oregano Seasoning

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are a quick, flavorful meal with a crispy exterior, juicy texture, and balanced paprika and oregano seasoning. They are perfect for an easy weeknight dinner when you want a versatile chicken dish with minimal fuss.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 13 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 94
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Marinade
  • 1.25 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • a few cracks of freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
Finish
  • squeeze of lemon to finish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Trim off any larger pieces of excess fat from the edges of the chicken thighs, if desired.
  2. Coat the chicken thighs with the spices and olive oil until evenly covered. For added flavor, refrigerate for 15 minutes to 2-3 hours before cooking if desired.
Cooking
  1. Place the chicken thighs directly on the air fryer grate and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 11-13 minutes, checking that the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C).
  2. Move the cooked chicken to a cutting board and allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Serving
  1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add a squeeze of lemon over the top if desired.
  2. Serve with your preferred sauce or alongside baked potato, roasted vegetables, a rice bowl, or a salad.

Notes

Smoky Paprika Aioli: Whisk together 1/2 cup mayo, 1/4 cup yogurt, 1 clove freshly grated garlic, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 2 tablespoons water, and 1/4 teaspoon salt, adding more salt to taste. For an oven method, place a rack in the top third of the oven, arrange chicken on a quarter sheet pan that may be lined with foil, bake at 425°F (218°C) for 15 minutes, then broil on low for 3-5 minutes until browned outside and at least 165°F (74°C) internally. If using 1.5 pounds or more of chicken thighs, or if you prefer a stronger spice coating, add a few extra shakes of seasoning. The air fryer does not need to be preheated or lined, and the chicken can be placed directly on the grate without flipping. For more crisping on both sides, cook for 8-9 minutes, flip, then continue for another 5 minutes.