Air Fryer Paprika Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with smoky flavor and is incredibly easy to make, this Air Fryer Paprika Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how the smoky paprika combines with fresh thyme and garlic to create a rich, mouthwatering marinade that your family will go crazy for. Plus, cooking it all in the air fryer means you get crispy skin on the chicken without the extra oil or mess.

One of the best things about this Air Fryer Paprika Chicken Recipe is how effortlessly it comes together—perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want something satisfying without hours in the kitchen. You’ll find that layering the chicken over seasoned potatoes lets the flavors mingle beautifully while keeping everything moist and delicious. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be a repeat in your dinner rotation!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully for that signature smoky and herby flavor that makes this Air Fryer Paprika Chicken Recipe shine. I always recommend fresh herbs when possible, but dried work well too.

• Chicken thighs: I prefer bone-in, skin-on for the juiciest results and crispy skin in the air fryer.
• Smoked paprika: This is the star of the dish—adds that deep smoky warmth that makes this recipe pop.
• Red pepper flakes: Just a bit for a gentle kick without overpowering the other flavors.
• Dried parsley: Provides a nice herbaceous balance; fresh parsley can be used as garnish too.
• Fresh thyme: Either fresh or dried works, but fresh thyme’s aroma really shines here.
• Garlic powder and fresh garlic: I like combining both for layers of garlicky goodness.
• Lemon juice: This brightens the marinade and keeps the chicken tender.
• Olive oil and avocado oil: Oils help the seasoning stick and promote crispy skin; avocado oil’s high smoke point is perfect for air frying.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
• Yellow potatoes: Their creamy texture pairs perfectly with the spicy chicken and crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
• Garlic salt: For seasoning the potatoes with a delicious garlic punch.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Air Fryer Paprika Chicken Recipe by swapping out herbs and spices or checking out different marinades. Feel free to tweak it to fit your taste buds or dietary needs—it’s surprisingly versatile!

• Spice it up: I added a pinch of cayenne pepper once, and it gave the dish a bold heat that my spice-loving friends adored.
• Herbs swap: Sometimes I trade thyme for rosemary or oregano depending on what’s fresh or what mood I’m in.
• Chicken cuts: You can use boneless thighs or even drumsticks, just adjust cooking time slightly.
• Vegan twist: Swap chicken with thick-cut cauliflower steaks and follow the same seasoning and cooking method for a tasty plant-based option.

How to Make Air Fryer Paprika Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by mixing smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, dried parsley, fresh thyme, garlic powder, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, avocado oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. I like to rub this marinade all over the chicken thighs thoroughly—don’t be shy with the spices! Let it sit for at least 10 minutes if you’re short on time, but if you can, marinate for a couple of hours in the fridge for deeper flavor.

Step 2: Prep the Potatoes

Peel your yellow potatoes and cut them into chunks or quarters, so they cook evenly. Toss the potato pieces in avocado oil, garlic salt, and fresh thyme leaves—this simple seasoning really brings out their natural sweetness as they roast alongside the chicken.

Step 3: Layer and Air Fry

Place the potatoes in the bottom of your air fryer basket and give it a good toss to coat everything evenly. Then lay the marinated chicken thighs on top, skin side down—that skin will crisp up beautifully from the indirect heat. Set your air fryer to 375°F and cook for 20 minutes.

Step 4: Flip and Finish Cooking

After 20 minutes, carefully flip the chicken skin side up and lower the temperature to 360°F. Cook for another 10 minutes. This two-stage cooking helps develop that crave-worthy crispy skin without drying out the chicken.

Step 5: Crisp the Potatoes (Optional)

Once you remove the chicken, if you want extra-crispy potatoes, pop them back in the air fryer at 400°F for 5 to 7 minutes. I discovered this little trick when I wanted that perfect golden crust every time, and it makes a big difference.

How to Serve Air Fryer Paprika Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling some freshly chopped parsley or extra thyme leaves over the top to brighten this dish just before serving. A wedge of lemon on the side is always perfect for squeezing extra zing right onto the chicken.

Side Dishes

This paprika chicken pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans to balance out the rich flavors. On cozy days, I serve it with creamy mashed potatoes or warm crusty bread to soak up all those delicious juices.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like arranging the chicken over a bed of herbed couscous or rice pilaf, then placing colorful roasted veggies around the edges. A sprinkle of toasted almonds or pine nuts adds a lovely crunch and makes it feel extra fancy without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover chicken and potatoes together in an airtight container in the fridge—it keeps well for up to 3 days. Just make sure the chicken is completely cooled before sealing to maintain moisture and flavor.

Freezing

If I have extras, I wrap portions tightly in foil and then place them in freezer bags—this Air Fryer Paprika Chicken Recipe freezes well for up to 2 months. When thawed, it tastes nearly as good as fresh, especially when reheated the right way.

Reheating

To keep the chicken skin crispy, I reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for about 7-10 minutes instead of the microwave. This brings back that perfect crunchy texture and warms everything evenly without drying the meat out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Paprika Chicken Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen—it’s one of those dishes that’s simple enough for everyday meals but exciting enough to serve to guests without breaking a sweat. The smoky paprika flavor never fails to impress, and the ease of the air fryer means less time cooking and more time enjoying your delicious meal. I can’t recommend giving this recipe a try enough; once you taste that crispy, flavorful chicken paired with perfectly roasted potatoes, I’m confident you’ll be making it over and over too!

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