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Crispy Cajun Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Easy Bold Spice Rub Recipe

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Crispy chicken thighs with a bold Cajun spice rub cooked quickly in an air fryer for a crackly, spicy exterior and juicy meat inside. This recipe is perfect for a quick, flavorful weeknight meal with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture (about 3 minutes).
  2. Prepare the Cajun spice rub by combining paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, black pepper, and brown sugar in a small bowl. Mix well (about 2 minutes).
  3. Place the chicken thighs in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat all sides evenly.
  4. Sprinkle the spice rub over the chicken and rub it in thoroughly, covering every crevice (about 5 minutes).
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
  6. Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, skin side up. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary.
  7. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 18-22 minutes total, flipping the thighs halfway through cooking (around 10 minutes). The skin should be golden and crisp, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  8. Rest the chicken for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry is essential for crispiness. Preheat the air fryer for best results. Flip chicken only once to ensure even browning. Rest chicken after cooking to keep it juicy. If skin isn’t crispy enough, air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes watching closely. Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for best texture. Spice rub can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for weeks. For milder heat, reduce or omit cayenne pepper. For higher heat, add crushed red pepper flakes. If no air fryer, roast at 425°F (220°C) on a wire rack for 35-40 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken, air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken, bold spice rub, quick dinner, easy recipe, low carb, gluten-free

Find it online: https://morselora.com/crispy-cajun-air-fryer-chicken-thighs-easy-bold-spice-rub-recipe/