Air Fryer Paprika and Herb Chicken Thighs
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Savory Air Fryer Paprika and Herb Chicken Thighs: A 25-Minute European-Inspired Feast

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Introduction

Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Europe with our Air Fryer Paprika and Herb Chicken Thighs recipe! This dish combines the warm, smoky flavor of paprika with a blend of aromatic herbs, all achieved with the convenience of air frying. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s an ideal choice for a quick yet sophisticated weeknight dinner that will transport your taste buds to a cozy European kitchen.

Paprika and herb chicken thighs on a white gold-rimmed ceramic plate with a sprig of fresh rosemary and lemon wedges

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and flavorful: Ready in just 25 minutes
  • Versatile: Great on its own, with roasted vegetables, or atop a salad
  • Healthier option: Uses minimal oil while delivering maximum taste
  • Family-friendly: A crowd-pleasing flavor that both kids and adults will enjoy

Ingredients

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs total)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Zest of 1 lemon

Optional for serving: lemon wedges, fresh parsley

Air Fryer Paprika and Herb Chicken Thighs - chicken thighs, small gold-rimmed white bowls with spices, a bottle of olive oil, fresh lemon, and herb sprigs

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Pro Tip: The Cosori Air Fryer ensures perfectly crispy skin while infusing the chicken with the aromatic paprika and herb seasoning!

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, sweet paprika, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest.
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then rub them thoroughly with the paprika and herb mixture, making sure to get some under the skin.
  3. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
  4. Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin side up, ensuring they don’t overlap.
  5. Cook for 12 minutes, then flip the chicken thighs.
  6. Cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy.
  7. Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.
  8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired.
Collage showing 1) mixing the paprika and herb seasoning, 2) rubbing chicken with seasoning, 3) chicken in air fryer basket, 4) finished chicken being checked with meat thermometer

Tips for Success

  • For maximum flavor, prepare the seasoning mix in advance and marinate the chicken for 2-4 hours before cooking.
  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary for the best results.
  • Adjust the ratio of sweet to smoked paprika based on your preference for smokiness.

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Variations

  • Hungarian-Style: Add 1/4 teaspoon of caraway seeds to the seasoning mix for a Hungarian twist.
  • Spicy Paprika Chicken: Include 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper in the seasoning for a kick of heat.
Side-by-side images of regular paprika and herb chicken thighs and the Hungarian-style variation on white gold-rimmed plates

Nutritional Information

  • Calories: 310
  • Protein: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 3g
  • Fat: 23g
  • Fiber: 1g

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Air Fryer Paprika and Herb Chicken Thighs with roasted potatoes and a crisp green salad for a complete, European-inspired meal. For an extra special presentation, use these elegant White and Gold Serving Platters.

paprika and herb chicken thighs plated with roasted potatoes and a green salad on a white and gold rimmed platter

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container like these Glass Food Storage Containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-6 minutes, or until heated through.

Related Recipes

If you enjoyed this Air Fryer Paprika and Herb Chicken Thighs recipe, you might also like these recipes from our Air Fryer Chicken collection:

For more delicious air fryer chicken recipes, check out our Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Round-up Post or explore our Air Fryer Chicken Breast Round-up Post for a variety of air fryer chicken dishes.

Air Fryer Paprika and Herb Chicken Thighs Conclusion

We hope this Air Fryer Paprika and Herb Chicken Thighs recipe brings a taste of European comfort to your dinner table! It’s a perfect example of how air frying can create flavorful, restaurant-quality meals with minimal effort and time. Don’t forget to share your paprika and herb creations with us on social media and let us know your favorite way to serve these aromatic chicken thighs in the comments below.

Air Fryer Paprika and Herb Chicken Thighs

Ready to explore more European-inspired air fryer recipes? [CTA: Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly air fryer inspiration and get our free e-book “Air Fryer European Tour: 20 Recipes from Across the Continent”]

Happy air frying!

This recipe is part of our Air Fryer Chicken series. Discover more air fryer chicken recipes in our [Link to Air Fryer Chicken Round-up Post] or explore all our air fryer chicken collections in our [Link to Master Air Fryer Chicken Round-up Post].

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