Air Fryer Lemon Paprika Chicken Thighs

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, about 2 pounds (900 g)
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil (14 g)
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika (5 g)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (3 g)
• 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest (2 g)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (6 g)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (1 g)
• 1 English cucumber, roughly chopped (300 g)
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (75 g)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (15 g)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (15 g)
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (14 g)

Instructions

1. Preheat. Heat the air fryer to 380°F for 3 minutes. Pat the chicken thighs dry on all sides with paper towels, paying attention to the skin and folds around the bone.
2. Season. Combine avocado oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, lemon zest, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add chicken and turn each thigh until coated, including the underside and edges.
3. Start cooking. Arrange thighs skin-side down in one layer in the heated basket. Do not overlap them. Air-fry for 10 minutes, then turn each piece with tongs so the skin faces upward.
4. Finish. Air-fry 10 to 14 minutes longer. Check the thickest thigh near the bone with an instant-read thermometer. Remove each piece when its center reaches 165°F and the skin is browned.
5. Make salad. Transfer chicken to an uncovered plate and rest for 5 minutes. Combine cucumber, feta, parsley, lemon juice, and olive oil in a bowl. Add black pepper and toss gently.
6. Serve. Divide the cucumber salad between four plates. Set one chicken thigh beside each serving and spoon resting juices over the chicken. Add lemon wedges or extra parsley if desired.

Notes

• Thigh size drives the final cooking time. Begin checking at 20 minutes total, then check every 2 minutes until the largest piece reaches 165°F near the bone.
• For the crispiest skin, cook only as many thighs as fit in one flat layer. A second batch takes longer, but it avoids the steamed texture caused by overlapping pieces.
• The cucumber salad is intentionally lightly dressed. Salt it only after tasting the feta, which may already provide enough seasoning for the whole plate.