These air fryer chicken thighs are surprisingly crispy with how little oil you need. Enjoy tender bites of poultry with a smoky citrus flavor for a simple weeknight meal.
Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees for 5 minutes.
In a small bowl, combine the spices — paprika, salt, garlic powder, pepper — then stir in the lemon zest with a fork.
Remove the chicken from packaging and pat dry with paper towels. Place the chicken in a large bowl or gallon-size freezer bag and drizzle with the olive oil. Sprinkle the spice mixture on top and toss until evenly coated.
Place the chicken in the air fryer skin side down, being careful not to overcrowd the basket. Cook for 15 minutes, then flip the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes, until the chicken is crispy and cooked through.
Notes
Leftovers:
Once cooled, transfer the meat to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or pop it back in the air basket for 8 to 10 minutes at 400 degrees.