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air fryer paprika chicken
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Air Fryer Paprika Chicken

This air fryer paprika chicken is one of those recipes I make when I need dinner to be quick and easy, but still full of flavor.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword air fryer paprika chicken
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 16 minutes
Total Time 26 minutes
Servings 4
Author Geraldine Julie

Ingredients

  • 1½ lb chicken thighs or drumsticks (skin-on, bone-in preferred)
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1½ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder (aluminum free), optional

Instructions

  • Pat the chicken extremely dry with paper towels to help it crisp up.
  • In a bowl, mix olive oil with all the spices (including the baking powder) into a thick paste. Rub the mixture evenly over the chicken, coating all sides. Also, rub the paste under the skin.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (195°C).
  • Place chicken skin-side down first in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10 minutes, flip, then cook another 8 - 10 minutes until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
  • Remove and rest on a wire rack if your air fryer does not have one included.

Video

Notes

Cooking Time and Temperature

Air fry at 380°F for 18 - 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Taste & Texture

Crispy, smoky skin with juicy, tender chicken and plenty of savory paprika flavor.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating

  • Fridge: Store up to 3 days in an airtight container.
  • Freezer: Up to 2 months.
  • Reheat: Air fry at 350°F until heated through and crisp again.

Serving Recommendations

I love serving this with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables. A squeeze of lemon over the top right before serving also brightens everything up nicely.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

  • Use boneless thighs instead of bone-in.
  • Add cayenne for extra heat.
  • Swap oregano for thyme.

Proper Storage Tips

  • Cool completely before storing.
  • Keep refrigerated in an airtight container.
  • Reheat in the air fryer for the best texture.

Pro Tips

  • I always pat the chicken very dry before seasoning. This makes a huge difference in how crispy the skin gets.
  • Bone-in chicken tends to stay juicier than boneless pieces, especially with the high heat of the air fryer.
  • If you have a meat thermometer, use it. Chicken thighs are especially tender when they reach around 175°F (80°C).