High Protein Crispy Air Fried Chicken Thighs
Craving juicy, flavorful chicken with a golden, crispy skin but without the guilt? These High Protein Crispy Air Fried Chicken Thighs are your answer! This easy, family-friendly recipe combines the rich, savory taste of bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs with a perfectly balanced spice blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme. Made in just 25 minutes using your air fryer, this dish delivers a crispy, crunch-worthy exterior while locking in tender, juicy meat—no deep fryer required! With minimal oil and maximum flavor, these chicken thighs make for a high-protein, low-fuss meal perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a healthy twist on comfort food. Serve them with your favorite veggies or side dishes for an irresistible dinner that satisfies every time.
Try SnapCalorie's FREE AI assisted nutrition tracking free in the App store or on Android.
Scan with your phone to download!
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 as needed Cooking spray
Directions
Step 1
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture; this will help them get crispy.
Step 2
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to form a paste.
Step 3
Rub the spice paste evenly over the entire surface of the chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
Step 4
Allow the chicken to marinate at room temperature for 5-10 minutes while you prepare the air fryer.
Step 5
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
Step 6
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 7
Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the basket in a single layer, skin side down, ensuring they do not overlap.
Step 8
Air fry the chicken for 12 minutes, then carefully flip each piece over, and continue cooking for another 10-13 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 9
Remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Step 10
Serve hot and enjoy your high-protein crispy air-fried chicken thighs!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (646.1g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1664.1 |
| Total Fat 122.0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 30.3g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
| Cholesterol 564mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2860.5mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 8.0g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 2.9g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 0.6g | |
| Protein 134.8g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 102.9mg | 0% |
| Iron 7.4mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1611.3mg | 0% |
Source of Calories