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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Recipe Easy 18 Minute Healthy Dinner

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A quick and easy recipe for crispy, juicy chicken thighs cooked in the air fryer in just 18 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this healthy dinner delivers a golden, crunchy crust without the mess of deep frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds / 900g)
  • 1–2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. (Approx. 2 minutes)
  2. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, drizzle 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over the chicken. Toss to coat evenly.
  4. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) over the chicken. Toss again until each piece is well coated. (Approx. 3 minutes)
  5. Arrange chicken thighs in the air fryer basket skin-side down, leaving space between pieces for air circulation. (Approx. 1 minute)
  6. Cook for 9 minutes at 400°F (200°C), skin-side down.
  7. Flip the chicken thighs skin-side up using tongs. (Approx. 1 minute)
  8. Cook for another 9 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Check for doneness with a meat thermometer; internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  9. Let the chicken rest outside the air fryer for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry before seasoning is crucial for crispiness. Preheat the air fryer to help the skin crisp immediately. Avoid crowding the basket; cook in batches if needed. Let chicken rest after cooking to lock in juices. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to revive crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy air fryer chicken, healthy chicken recipe, quick chicken dinner, air fryer chicken thighs, easy chicken recipe, low-carb chicken, gluten-free chicken

Find it online: https://yumbelle.com/crispy-air-fryer-chicken-recipe-easy-18-minute-healthy-dinner/