Some evenings call for food that cooks itself while you clean up the day. These chicken thighs go straight into the air fryer with pantry spices and come out juicy, deeply seasoned, and ready before your patience runs out.
Difficulty
Easy
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
18–22 minutes
Total Time
About 30 minutes
Servings
2–3
Related recipes: Baked Pork Loin on Bread with Creamy Béchamel
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry and place them in a large bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil and turn until the skin is lightly coated.
- Sprinkle over the salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, pepper, and lemon zest.
- Rub everything in with your hands so the seasoning reaches the sides and underside.
- Arrange the thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.
- Cook at 190°C / 375°F for 10 minutes.
- Flip the thighs so the skin faces up and continue cooking for another 8–12 minutes, until the skin is deeply golden and the juices run clear.
- Rest the chicken for a few minutes before serving to keep it juicy.
For the next-day lunch (changing perspective)
These thighs are even better cold or gently reheated. Slice the meat off the bone and pack it into a lunchbox with leftover rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad — the seasoning carries the whole meal without needing sauce.
You may also like: Herb-Roasted Pork Loin with Baked Cabbage and Mushroom Sauce
Pan-Fried Pork with Garlic, Spinach, and Chickpeas
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