Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (approx. 2 lbs)

Instructions:

  1. Pat the chicken thighs extremely dry with paper towels. Note: Even a tiny bit of moisture will stop the skin from crisping.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, baking powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir it until it forms a thin paste.
  3. Rub the seasoning mixture thoroughly over every inch of the chicken. Note: Get under the skin for the best flavor.
  4. Place the thighs skin side down in the air fryer basket.
  5. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12 minutes until the fat has rendered and the meat is searing.
  6. Flip the thighs to skin side up.
  7. Cook for another 10-12 minutes until the skin is deep golden brown and reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. Remove the chicken from the basket and place it on a plate.
  9. Let the meat rest for 5 minutes until the juices settle back into the fibers.